Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17788 · Cabin equipment/furnishings
Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter France) (Airbus Helicopters)
(1) This AD applies to the following helicopters, certificated in any category:
(i) Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332 L1, and AS332 L2 helicopters with a hoist beam, Part Number (P/N) 330A87-2345-00, -01, -02, -03, -04, -05, or -06, installed with a single or double hoist plate; and
(ii) Model SA330J helicopters with a hoist beam, P/N 330A87-2345-00, -01, -02, -03, -04, -05, or -06, installed with a single hoist plate.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and SA330J helicopters. This AD prohibits use of the hydraulic hoist in helicopters equipped with certain parts and configurations until a hoist beam lower fitting protector is installed. This AD was prompted by a report that the hoist cable jammed during a rescue at sea. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent the hoist cable from jamming and subsequent cable failure, which could result in injury and damage to the helicopter.
You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time.
(1) Before the next hoist operation:
(i) For all helicopters, install a placard in full view of the hoist operator that states: IN CASE OF CABLE JAM AGAINST STRUT DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RAISE OR LOWER LOAD.
(ii) For helicopters with a hoist control electrical harness routed at the base of the hoist supporting strut:
(A) Disable the hoist pyrotechnic shear function.
(B) Install a placard on the instrument panel in full view of the flight crew that states: HOIST PYROTECHNIC SHEAR FUNCTION DISABLED.
(C) Install a placard in full view of the hoist operator that states: HOIST PYROTECHNIC SHEAR FUNCTION DISABLED. IN CASE OF NECESSITY, CUT THE HOIST CABLE WITH THE SHEARS LOCATED IN THE CABIN.
(iii) For helicopters listed in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this AD with a tray-mounted double hoist installed with the back-up electrical hoist power supply harness routed at the base of the hoist supporting strut, do one of the following:
(A) Install a hoist beam lower fitting protector in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2.b of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 25.02.08, Revision 3, dated July 6, 2011 (EASB No. 25.02.08), and if a short footstep, P/N 332P21-9000-00 or 332P21-2052-01, is installed, also install the short footstep with lower side protector in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2.c.2, of EASB No. 25.02.08; or
(B) Install two placards, one in full view of the flight crew and one in full view of the hoist operator, that state: IN-FLIGHT OPERATION OF THE HOIST IS PROHIBITED.
(2) Within 60 hours time-in-service:
(i) For helicopters listed in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this AD without a tray-mounted double hoist installed with the back-up electrical hoist power supply harness routed at the base of the hoist supporting strut and without a right hand sliding door, P/N 332A22-1165-01, installed, do one of the following:
(A) Install a hoist beam lower fitting protecter in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2.b, of EASB No. 25.02.08 and if a short footstep, P/N 332P21-9000-00 or 332P21-2052-01, is installed, also install the short footstep with lower side protector in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2.c.2, of EASB No. 25.02.08; or
(B) Install two placards, one in full view of the flight crew and one in full view of the hoist operator, that state: IN-FLIGHT OPERATION OF THE HOIST IS PROHIBITED.
(ii) For helicopters listed in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this AD with a right hand sliding door, P/N 332A22-1165-01, installed, do one of the following:
(A) Install a hoist beam lower fitting protector in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.5, of EASB No. 25.02.08; or
(B) Install two placards, one in full view of the flight crew and one in full view of the hoist operator, that state: IN-FLIGHT OPERATION OF THE HOIST IS PROHIBITED.
(iii) For Model SA330J helicopters, do one of the following:
(A) Install a hoist beam lower fitting protector in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.4, of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 25.39, Revision 3, dated July 6, 2011; or
(B) Install two placards, one in full view of the flight crew and one in full view of the hoist operator, that state: IN-FLIGHT OPERATION OF THE HOIST IS PROHIBITED.
(3) For any helicopter that has been modified per paragraph (e)(1)(iii)(A), (e)(2)(i)(A), (e)(2)(ii)(A), or (e)(2)(iii)(A) of this AD, do the following before the next hoist operation:
(i) Re-establish the hoist pyrotechnic shear function if disabled per paragraph (e)(1)(ii)(A) of this AD.
(ii) Remove any placards if installed as required by paragraph (e)(1)(i), (e)(1)(ii)(B), (e)(1)(ii)(C), (e)(1)(iii)(B), (e)(2)(i)(B), (e)(2)(ii)(B), or (e)(2)(iii)(B) of this AD.
