FAA Orders Rescue Hoist Fixes on Airbus and Leonardo Choppers
Published Date: 11/19/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to make sure certain Airbus and Leonardo helicopters stay safe by replacing rescue hoist assemblies that might have faulty parts. If you own one of these helicopters, you’ll need to swap out the affected hoists and follow new rules about installing them. Comments on this plan are open until January 5, 2026, so owners should act soon to avoid safety risks and possible costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Must Replace Non‑conforming Rescue Hoists
If you own any of the listed Airbus or Leonardo helicopter models (for example: H160-B; EC 225LP; AS-365N3; AS 332L2; EC135 variants; MBB-BK117 C-2/D-2/D-3 variants; AB139; AW109SP; AW139; AW169; AW189), you must replace each affected rescue hoist assembly with a serviceable rescue hoist assembly. The proposed AD also prohibits installing an affected rescue hoist assembly unless certain requirements are met as specified in EASA AD 2025-0051R1 (incorporated by reference).
Estimated Cost: $46,913 Per Helicopter
The FAA estimates the replacement will cost $46,913 per helicopter (parts $46,573 plus 4 work‑hours at $85/hour = $340). The FAA estimates the rule would affect 858 U.S.-registered helicopters for a total estimated cost to U.S. operators of $40,251,354.
No Parts Return or Reporting Required
Although the referenced EASA AD specifies submitting information and returning parts to the manufacturer for rework, this FAA proposed AD explicitly states it does not require submitting that information or returning parts. Operators therefore would not be required by this FAA AD to send parts back or file those reports.
Limited Special Flight Permits Allowed
Special flight permits may be issued to fly a helicopter to a location where the replacement can be done, provided that the rescue hoist is not used during that flight. This lets operators ferry helicopters for maintenance without using the hoist.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06506 — Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Inc. Airplanes
The FAA is making a new rule for Bombardier airplanes to fix a problem where the nose wheel steering can act up during landing. Owners of certain Bombardier CL-600 models must replace specific screws in the nosewheel steering system and update their maintenance plans by May 8, 2026. This keeps flights safe and avoids costly repairs down the road.
2026-06563 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA wants Airbus A350-941 owners to fix a problem where some wing and belly parts weren’t tightened right during manufacturing. They’ll need to replace certain parts and add extra protection to keep the plane safe. Comments on this plan are open until May 18, 2026, and the fixes might cost some time and money but will keep flights safe and sound.
2026-06543 — Amendment of Class D and Class E2 Airspace Over Binghamton, NY
The FAA is shrinking the controlled airspace around Greater Binghamton Airport from a 4.4-mile radius to 4.3 miles. This change affects pilots flying near Binghamton, NY, making the airspace a bit tighter but still safe and efficient. The new rules kick in on July 9, 2026, with no extra costs for anyone.
2026-06492 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA wants all Airbus A350-941 and -1041 airplanes to replace certain flight control parts that might have been damaged during testing. This change keeps planes safe by banning the use of these risky parts. Airlines need to act before May 18, 2026, and while it might cost some money, it’s all about keeping flights smooth and secure.
2026-06527 — Airworthiness Directives; Honda Aircraft Company LLC Airplanes
If you own a Honda HA-420 airplane, listen up! The FAA says you need to replace your flap control pushrods with new, tougher ones that don’t need constant anti-rust treatments. This new rule kicks in on May 8, 2026, and helps keep your plane safe without extra hassle or cost from repeated maintenance.
2026-06534 — Airworthiness Directives; DG Aviation GmbH (Type Certificate Previously Held by DG Flugzeugbau GmbH) Gliders
If you own or maintain a DG-1000M glider, listen up! The FAA found cracks near the engine mount and is requiring inspections, maintenance updates, and new parts like a carbon fiber bracket to keep your glider safe. These changes kick in April 20, 2026, so get ready to inspect, adjust, and balance before then—safety first, and no surprise costs if you stay on top of it!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20282 — Incorporation by Reference; North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria; Hazardous Materials Safety Permits (2025)
The FMCSA wants to update the rules for inspecting trucks carrying dangerous radioactive materials by using the newest safety handbook from 2025. This change helps inspectors across the country follow the same clear rules, making roads safer for everyone. Truck drivers and companies hauling hazardous materials should get ready, and comments on this update are open until December 19, 2025.
Next: 2025-20323 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
The FAA wants to update safety rules for certain Airbus Canada airplanes (formerly Bombardier C Series). They’re asking owners to keep checking fuel valves, inspect fuel tubes, and replace a part called the saddle clamp to keep flights safe. Comments are open until January 5, 2026, so operators should act soon to avoid costly fixes later.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in