Equipment / Furnishings — Rescue Hoist Cable Drum — Inspection
- Published
- Effective
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected EC135, EC635, and MBB-BK117 helicopters must perform inspections of the rescue hoist cable drum within one task interval after 25 March 2025 and continue at intervals not exceeding one task interval. If cracks longer than 3 mm are found, they must contact Goodrich for repair instructions or replace the affected part before further flight. From 36 months after 25 March 2025, operation of Subgroup A hoists is prohibited unless the cable drum has been replaced per Goodrich Service Bulletin 44301-10-45.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0055 is an airworthiness directive addressing the inspection of rescue hoist cable drums installed on Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH EC135, EC635, and MBB-BK117 helicopter models. It mandates repetitive inspections of specific rescue hoist assemblies with certain part numbers to detect cracks that could compromise hoist cable operation. The directive applies to all serial numbers up to 1999 inclusive for the specified helicopter models.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0055 introduces mandatory repetitive inspections of the rescue hoist cable drum on affected helicopter models to identify cracks. It also establishes corrective actions including contacting the manufacturer for repair instructions or replacing affected parts. Additionally, it prohibits operation of certain hoists classified as Subgroup A starting 36 months after the directive's effective date.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because undetected cracks in the rescue hoist cable drum could lead to cable failure, posing safety risks to personnel and passengers during hoist operations. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and prevent potential accidents. The directive also affects maintenance planning and parts management due to inspection intervals and replacement requirements.
More for Airbus Helicopters EC135
All 49- EASA AD 2026-0188Instruments – Warning Unit Emergency Off Switches – Operational CheckSep 30, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0131Engine Fuel & Control – Electronic Engine Control Unit – Software Update; Engine Fuel & Control – Preference Injector – Non-extinguishing Test / ReplacementJul 6, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0032Tail Rotor — Tail Rotor Blades — InspectionFeb 19, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0031Tail Rotor — Tail Rotor Blades — InspectionFeb 19, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0024
Get the next one by email
New ADs and bulletins for Airbus Helicopters EC135, Helicopters 635 and Helicopters MBB-BK 117, summarized like this page, every Monday.