AD 2022-05-10

(1) For a hoist without the number “4” as the first digit of its serial number (S/N):

(i) For hoists that use operating hours to monitor hoist operation, within 24 months after the effective date of this AD or before the hoist accumulates 55 total hoist operating hours, whichever occurs first, replace the hoist. For purposes of this AD, hoist operating hours are counted anytime the hoist motor is operating.

(ii) For hoists that use hoist cycles (cycles) to monitor hoist operation, within 24 months after the effective date of this AD or before the hoist accumulates 1,200 total cycles, whichever occurs first, replace the hoist. For purposes of this AD, a cycle is counted anytime the cable is extended and then retracted a minimum of 16 feet (5 meters) during flight or on the ground, with or without a load.

(iii) For hoists that use hoist lifts (lifts) to monitor hoist operation, within 24 months after the effective date of this AD or before the hoist accumulates 1,600 total lifts, whichever occurs first, replace the hoist. For purposes of this AD, a lift is counted anytime the cable is unreeled or recovered or both 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 a lift. If a load is applied for half an operation (i.e. unreeling or recovery), it must be counted as one lift.

(2) For all hoists identified in the introductory text of paragraph (c) of this AD, before further flight, install placards and revise the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter by inserting a copy of this AD or by making pen-and-ink changes in Section 2, Limitations, of the RFM Supplement for the hoist as follows:

(i) For 500 pound (lb) rated hoists, install a placard with the information in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD in full view of the hoist operator and add the information in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD to the existing RFM for your helicopter.

(3) For all hoists identified in the introductory text of paragraph (c) of this AD, as of the effective date of this AD, if a partial peel out occurs, deactivate or remove the hoist from service before further flight. For purposes of this AD, a partial peel out occurs when 20 inches (0.5 meter) or more of the hoist cable reels off of the hoist cable drum in one overload clutch slip incident.

(4) For all hoists identified in the introductory text of paragraph (c) of this AD, within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, review the helicopter's hoist slip load test records. If the cable was load-tested at more than 1,500 lbs or at an unknown weight during one or more cable pulls, replace the cable with an airworthy cable before the next hoist operation.

(5) For all hoists identified in the introductory text of paragraph (c) of this AD, within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, unless already done within the last 6 calendar months, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 months, 400 lifts, or 300 cycles, whichever occurs first:

(i) Visually inspect the first 18 inches (45 cm) of the cable from the hook assembly for broken wires and necked down sections. If there is a broken wire or necked down section, replace the cable with an airworthy cable before further flight.

(ii) Within the first 18 inches (45 cm) of the cable from the hook assembly, measure the diameter of the cable at the most necked down area. If the diameter measurement is less than 0.185 inch (4.7 mm), replace the cable with an airworthy cable before further flight.

(iii) Using load check tool P/N 49900-889-103 or 49900-889-104, perform a cable conditioning and a hoist slip load test by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.C.(1) through 3.C.(3)(g) of ASB 44301-10-18 Rev 6. If the average of the five test values is less than the limit shown in Table 2 for 600 lb rated hoists or Table 3 for 500 lb rated hoists of ASB 44301-10-18 Rev 6, remove the hoist from service before further flight.

(iv) Visually inspect the first 30 feet (10 meters) of the cable from the hook assembly for broken wires, necked down sections, kinks, bird-caging, flattened areas, abrasion, and gouging. It is permissible for the cable to have a slight curve immediately after performing the hoist slip load test. If there is a broken wire, necked down section, kink, or any bird-caging; or if there is a flattened area, any abrasion, or a gouge that exceeds allowable limits, replace the cable with an airworthy cable before further flight.

(v) Repeat the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(5)(i) and (ii) of this AD. If there is a broken wire or necked down section or the cable diameter measurement is less than 0.185 inch (4.7 mm), replace the cable with an airworthy cable before further flight.

(6) Within 30 days after accomplishing the hoist slip load test, report the information requested in Appendix 1 to this AD by email to ASB.SIS-CA@utas.utc.com; or mail to Goodrich, Collins Aerospace; 2727 E. Imperial Hwy., Brea, CA 92821.

(7) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install as a replacement part or as an original installation an externally-mounted hoist with a P/N identified in the introductory text of paragraph (c) of this AD unless it has an improved overload clutch assembly with the number “4” as the first digit of the S/N.