Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16013 · Agusta S.p.A. Model AB412 and AB412 EP Helicopters
Agusta S.p.A. Model AB412 and AB412 EP Helicopters
This AD applies to Model AB412 and AB412 EP helicopters, with internal hoist, part number (P/N) 214-070-300-1 (Goodrich P/N 42277-1); external hoist P/N BL-10300-60 (Breeze Eastern) or P/N BL-20200-SERIES (Breeze Eastern), installed, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB412 and AB412 EP helicopters. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. The MCAI establishes a life limit for certain rescue hoist cable assemblies and introduces the term "hoist lift" for determining cable life instead of the term "hoist cycle." The MCAI also establishes a replacement time for each affected rescue hoist cable assembly (hoist cable assembly) for which the accumulated number of "hoist cycles" cannot be determined. The actions are intended to prevent failure of a hoist cable and inadvertent loss of a load.
Required as indicated, do the following:
(1) Before further flight, for rescue hoist cable assemblies, P/N 42305-179, 42277-178 (internal hoist cable assembly) and P/N BL-6260, BL-9149-3 (external hoist cable assembly), determine the number of accumulated “hoist cycles” for each hoist cable assembly and add that to the number of accumulated “hoist lifts.” A hoist lift is defined as an unreeling and recovery of the cable with a load attached to the hook, regardless of the length of the cable that is deployed or recovered. An unreeling or recovery of the cable with no load on the hook is not considered to be a lift.
(2) Before conducting the next hoist operation, replace any hoist cable assembly that has reached or exceeded 1,500 accumulated hoist lifts or 4 years from initial installation, whichever occurs first.
(3) If you cannot determine the “hoist cycles” or the date of the hoist cable assembly installation, before further flight, replace the hoist cable assembly with an airworthy hoist cable assembly.
(4) This AD revises the Airworthiness limitations section of the maintenance manual by adding a life limit of 1,500 hoist lifts or 4 years, whichever occurs first, for the affected hoist cable assemblies.
We use the term “before further flight” rather than “before next flight. Also, we are using “before further flight” rather than October 31, 2008, for replacing a hoist cable if you cannot determine the “hoist cycles” or the date of hoist cable assembly installation.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, ATTN: Sharon Miles, Aerospace Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Rotorcraft Directorate, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222-5961 has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
