AD Proposed for AStar Cargo Swing Emergency Release Control

The FAA has proposed to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters AStar and TwinStar helicopters.  

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued EASA AD 2025-0025, dated January 23, 2025 to correct an unsafe condition on AS 350 B2, AS 350 B3, AS 355 NP, AS 355 N, and EC 130 B4 helicopters, all serial numbers, equipped with ONBOARD systems 3500LB, having part number (P/N) 704A41811035. The EASA AD states that a report was received of a loss of cargo load during cargo swing operation on a helicopter. Subsequent investigation revealed an incorrect adjustment of the release cable of the cargo swing emergency release control. 

The FAA is issuing this proposed AD to address the adjustment of the cargo swing emergency release control. Comments are due September 5, 2025.