EASA AD 2015-0226R8
Equipment / Furnishings — Hoist — Test / Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0226R8 is a regulatory document addressing the inspection, testing, and replacement requirements for Goodrich externally mounted rescue hoists installed on various helicopter models including Leonardo AW109SP, AB139, AW139, AB412; Bell Textron 212, 214, 412, 429, 430; Airbus Helicopters AS 365 N3, AS 332 L2, EC225 LP, MBB-BK117 C-2, EC135, EC635; MD Helicopters MD900; and Sikorsky S-61, S-76, and S-92A. The directive mandates load checks, cable replacements, and overload clutch replacements to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of hoist operations.
What Changed
Revision 8 of EASA AD 2015-0226 updates the hoist replacement and overhaul intervals specifically for Bell Textron Canada 429 helicopters based on new data. It also includes editorial updates to clarify existing requirements. This revision continues to require load checks and replacement of overload clutches to mitigate the risk of hoist load loss.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a known unsafe condition where overload clutches in rescue hoists may fail, potentially causing in-flight loss of hoist loads and resulting in injury or accidents. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent hoist malfunctions and ensure safe rescue operations. Compliance with the AD helps maintain regulatory certification and operational safety.
What To Do
Operators must identify if affected Goodrich hoists are installed and perform initial and repetitive hoist load checks within specified intervals. Cables exceeding load limits must be replaced promptly, and any hoist failing load tests must be deactivated and replaced before further use. The updated replacement intervals for Bell Textron Canada 429 hoists must be observed, with compliance deadlines starting from 21 November 2015 for initial actions.