Opportunity
Federal Register #2026-22373
Proposed FAA safety directive for MD Helicopters cargo-hook clutch assemblies
Buyer
Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation
Posted
November 03, 2026
Respond By
December 19, 2026
Identifier
2026-22373
The FAA is proposing a safety directive for cargo-hook-equipped MD Helicopters aircraft, not soliciting products or services for purchase. - Government buyer and context: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); the notice references the FAA Manager, West Certification Branch. - OEMs named: MD Helicopters, LLC is the affected manufacturer. McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company is identified as the previous type-certificate holder. - Affected aircraft: Models 369, 369A, 369D, 369E, 369F, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, and 500N equipped with cargo hooks. - Safety issue and required actions: The proposal addresses overrunning-clutch failures that could lead to loss of main-rotor power and helicopter control. It would require removal of certain clutch subassemblies, installation of specified replacements, and reidentification of certain clutch assemblies as P/N 369A5350-605. - Relevant clutch assembly part numbers include 369A5350-BSC, 369A5350-601, and 369A5350-603; replacement subassemblies are P/N 369A5350-41 or 369A5350-51. - Operators would also revise applicable maintenance limitations and inspection programs, including specified inspection tasks and intervals. - Procurement status: This is a proposed airworthiness directive, not a procurement opportunity; no purchase quantities, contract value, or performance period are provided.
Description
The Federal Aviation Administration proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive 90-19-02 for specified MD Helicopters helicopters equipped with a cargo hook. The proposed rule expands the affected models to include Model 500N helicopters and requires certain overrunning clutch assemblies and subassemblies to be removed, replaced or installed, and reidentified as applicable. It also requires revisions to maintenance manuals, instructions for continued airworthiness, and approved maintenance or inspection programs for specified models. Comments are due December 18, 2026.