EASA AD 2024-0244
Equipment / Furnishings — Hoist — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0244 is an airworthiness directive addressing inspection requirements for rescue hoist cable assemblies installed on Airbus Helicopters AS 332 and SA/AS 365 models. It applies to specific rescue hoist cable assemblies and rescue hoists manufactured or repaired by Breeze-Eastern before April 8, 2024. The directive mandates inspection and possible replacement of defective parts to ensure continued airworthiness and safety.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a one-time inspection requirement for affected rescue hoist cable assemblies due to a defect caused by a faulty testing tool at Breeze-Eastern's facility. It also sets conditions for the installation of new or inspected rescue hoist parts and hoists on the affected helicopter models. No previous AD is superseded by this directive.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential failure in rescue hoist cable assemblies that could lead to cable failure and risk injury to personnel during hoist operations. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to maintain aircraft airworthiness and ensure safety during hoist operations. Compliance helps prevent accidents and ensures regulatory adherence.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus Helicopters AS 332 and SA/AS 365 models must inspect the affected rescue hoist cable assemblies before the next hoist operation after December 20, 2024. If discrepancies are found, the affected parts must be replaced before further hoist use. Installation of affected parts is only allowed if they are new or have passed the required inspection.