Federal Register #2026-17583

FAA Directive: Replacement of Rescue Hoist Assemblies and PSU Trim Panel Modification

This opportunity involves airworthiness directives issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the Department of Transportation, targeting safety upgrades for helicopter rescue hoist assemblies and airplane passenger service units. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service - OEMs Involved: - Airbus Helicopters - Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH - Leonardo S.p.A. - Pilatus Aircraft Ltd (for airplane directive) - Products/Services Requested: - Replacement of 858 rescue hoist assemblies on various Airbus and Leonardo helicopter models - Addresses non-conformant overload clutch assemblies - No specific part numbers provided - Modification of passenger service unit (PSU) trim panels on Pilatus PC 12/47E airplanes - Ensures emergency exit door operability - No specific part numbers or quantities provided - Notable Requirements: - Prohibition of installation of affected rescue hoist assemblies unless compliance requirements are met - Focus on safety and regulatory compliance for critical aircraft components - Estimated compliance cost for hoist replacement: $46,913 per helicopter - No reporting or part return required - Applies to a wide range of helicopter models, including H160B, EC225LP, AS 365 N3, AS332L2, EC135 series, EC635T2+, MBBBK 117 series, AB139, AW109SP, AW139, AW169, AW189, and Pilatus PC 12/47E airplanes

Description

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule airworthiness directive (AD) for various helicopter models including Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo S.p.A. models. This AD addresses an unsafe condition related to rescue hoist assemblies that may have a non-conformant overload clutch assembly. The directive requires replacing affected rescue hoist assemblies with serviceable ones and prohibits installation of affected assemblies unless certain requirements are met. The AD is effective October 2, 2026, and aims to prevent failure of the rescue hoist assembly that could result in injury.

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