EASA AD 2021-0072-E
Equipment / Furnishings — Hoist Support — Inspection / Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0072-E is an emergency directive addressing the inspection and possible replacement of hoist support assemblies with Part Number 212-8800-02-1 installed on Leonardo AB412 and AB412EP helicopters. This directive applies to all serial numbers of these helicopter models and focuses on ensuring the structural integrity of the hoist support to prevent in-flight detachment. The directive mandates inspections and corrective actions to maintain airworthiness.
What Changed
This new emergency airworthiness directive introduces a one-time inspection requirement for affected hoist support assemblies on AB412 and AB412EP helicopters. If cracks are found during inspection, the affected parts must be replaced before further flight. Additionally, it requires reporting inspection results to Leonardo and restricts installation to only serviceable hoist support assemblies from the effective date.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential safety hazard that could lead to hoist assembly detachment and compromised helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply promptly to ensure continued airworthiness and prevent accidents. Compliance teams need to track inspections, replacements, and reporting requirements to meet regulatory obligations and maintain operational safety.
What To Do
Operators of AB412 and AB412EP helicopters must inspect any installed hoist support assembly with Part Number 212-8800-02-1 before the next flight after 16 March 2021. If any cracks are detected, the affected part must be replaced with a serviceable part before further flight. Inspection results showing cracks must be reported to Leonardo within 15 days of inspection or the effective date, whichever is later. Only serviceable hoist support assemblies may be installed from the effective date onward.
Your fleet's weekly compliance brief
AI-summarized regulatory changes, compliance deadlines, and action items — filtered to your aircraft, every Monday.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.