SAE AS6342-2020 PDF

Full title and description

Minimum Operational Performance Standard (MOPS) for Helicopter Hoist Systems — SAE AS6342-2020. This SAE Aerospace Standard specifies minimum operational performance requirements, test criteria, and qualification characteristics for helicopter-mounted hoist systems used in missions such as search and rescue, offshore transfer, power‑line maintenance and related operations.

Abstract

SAE AS6342-2020 defines the minimum performance, functional and environmental test requirements for helicopter hoist systems to establish consistent product qualification criteria. The standard addresses performance under standard and adverse environmental conditions, load handling, and safety-related functional characteristics; it is intended for manufacturers, test laboratories and qualification authorities. Compliance with this standard does not itself constitute installation approval for any specific aircraft.

General information

• Status: Issued.
• Publication date: December 8, 2020 (AS6342-2020).
• Publisher: SAE International.
• ICS / categories: Aerospace / Aircraft systems; Hoists and winches; Search & rescue equipment; Test equipment and instrumentation; Cables.
• Edition / version: AS6342-2020 (first issued December 2020).
• Number of pages: 31 pages.

Scope

This standard establishes minimum operational performance criteria and test methods for helicopter hoist systems intended for a variety of missions (SAR, offshore transfer, maintenance, firefighting support, etc.). It sets performance characteristics for standard and other environmental conditions to support product qualification; it is not an approval document for aircraft installation and does not address platform-specific installation practices.

Key topics and requirements

• Minimum operational performance characteristics for hoist systems (lifting capacity, speed control, stability under load).
• Environmental condition requirements and testing (temperature, humidity, contamination, icing considerations where applicable).
• Functional tests and qualification procedures for load handling and dynamic performance, including load capture and recapture behavior.
• Safety-related device performance such as overload protection and activation behavior (the standard is referenced in regulatory discussions about acceptable OLPD activation ranges and behavior).
• Requirements for documentation, marking, maintenance information and test records to support qualification.
• Limits of applicability: the standard covers hoist system performance and testing but does not replace aircraft-specific airworthiness or installation approvals.

Typical use and users

Manufacturers of helicopter hoist systems, component suppliers, test laboratories, certification and qualification teams, regulatory authorities, and operators who procure hoist equipment for SAR, offshore operations, utility work, and other missions use AS6342-2020 as the basis for product qualification and performance verification.

Related standards

Other SAE Aerospace Standards and AMS/AS documents addressing hoists, winches, lifting equipment, electrical connectors, aircraft installation practices and airworthiness requirements may be used together with AS6342 when qualifying and installing hoist systems. Regulatory guidance and special conditions from aviation authorities may reference AS6342 for specific safety-device behavior (for example, overload protection device activation criteria).

Keywords

helicopter hoist; hoist system; MOPS; AS6342; SAE; hoist qualification; search and rescue; overload protection device; OLPD; lifting equipment; aircraft hoist testing; performance standard.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: SAE AS6342-2020 is an Aerospace Standard titled "Minimum Operational Performance Standard (MOPS) for Helicopter Hoist Systems" that defines minimum operational performance and test requirements for hoist systems mounted on helicopters.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers performance criteria, environmental and functional test methods, and qualification characteristics for helicopter hoist systems used in missions such as SAR, offshore transfer, and maintenance operations. It does not replace aircraft installation or airworthiness approvals.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Hoist system manufacturers, component suppliers, test houses, certification teams, aviation regulators and procurement teams use AS6342-2020 to define and verify hoist performance and to support product qualification.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: AS6342-2020 was issued in December 2020 and is listed as an issued SAE Aerospace Standard; there is no indication on the SAE record that it has been superseded as of the standard's publication metadata. Users should confirm on SAE's catalog for any later revisions or amendments.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the SAE AS series of Aerospace Standards (AS prefix) covering various aircraft equipment and systems; AS6342 addresses hoist system MOPS specifically and may be used alongside other relevant AS/AMS standards for related components and installation guidance.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Helicopter hoist; MOPS; hoist qualification; overload protection; OLPD; search and rescue; aircraft hoist testing; SAE AS6342-2020.