EASA AD 2024-0228
[Correction] Equipment / Furnishings — Hoist — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0228 is a safety directive affecting Leonardo S.p.A. helicopters including models AB412, A109E, A109K2, A109S, AB139, and AW139. It mandates inspection of specific rescue hoist cable assemblies due to a potential defect in the ball end caused by a testing tool issue at Breeze-Eastern's facility. The directive applies to all serial numbers of the listed helicopter models and requires compliance with Leonardo Emergency Alert Service Bulletins.
What Changed
This directive introduces a one-time inspection requirement for affected rescue hoist cable assemblies installed on the specified helicopter models. It also sets conditions for the installation of new or inspected rescue hoist parts to prevent the use of defective components. The document is a correction to include previously omitted Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) numbers.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk that could lead to rescue hoist cable failure, potentially causing injury to personnel during hoist operations. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and avoid operational restrictions. The directive also clarifies installation rules to prevent recurrence of the unsafe condition.
What To Do
Operators of affected helicopters must inspect the rescue hoist cable assembly before the next hoist operation after 6 December 2024, following the instructions in the relevant Leonardo Emergency Alert Service Bulletins. If discrepancies are found, the affected parts must be replaced before further use. Installation of affected parts is only allowed if they are new or have passed the required inspection.