FAA orders cargo hook release checks on 1,134 US Airbus Helicopters, effective 12 November
FAA final rule on Airbus Helicopters AS350B2, AS350B3, AS355N, AS355NP and EC130B4: cargo hook load released in flight without pilot action; checks due within 3
The FAA has issued a final airworthiness directive for Airbus Helicopters AS350B2, AS350B3, AS355N, AS355NP and EC130B4 helicopters after a load was released from the cargo hook without the pilot starting the release. The rule affects 1,134 helicopters on the US registry.
What happened
The FAA says the load came off the cargo hook in flight without manual release by the pilot. An unintended in-flight release of a sling load can drop cargo onto people or property below, which is why the FAA moved quickly.
The FAA issued the rule without the usual prior notice and comment period, citing the risk to the flying public. It takes effect on 12 November 2026, less than 30 days after publication.
What the directive requires
- Inspect the load dropping control system at the control system.
- Inspect the manual release lever for free play.
- Take corrective action depending on the results.
The inspections must be done within 50 sling cycles or 30 days, whichever occurs first, after the effective date.
Who this affects
Cargo hooks are used for external loads such as construction material, firefighting water buckets, and utility work. Operators of these helicopters in that work will carry out the inspections quickly, because the compliance window is short.
Sources
Featured image: Photo: Helicopta, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Airbus AS350 SD2 of Columbia Helicopters. Source
