EASA AD 2025-0097
Equipment / Furnishings — Hoist Support / Inspection / Replacement — Removal from Service
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0097 is an airworthiness directive affecting all PZL W-3A helicopters equipped with hoist supports having Part Number 39.30.210.00.02. It mandates inspection, record verification, and potential replacement of hoist supports to ensure compliance with service-life limits and safe operation. The directive also regulates the installation of these hoist supports to maintain continued airworthiness.
What Changed
This new regulation introduces mandatory inspections of hoist supports on PZL W-3A helicopters to verify serial numbers and maintenance records. It requires corrective actions if discrepancies are found and restricts installation to only serviceable parts that meet defined criteria. The directive also establishes detailed record-keeping requirements to prevent service-life exceedance of hoist supports.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk where hoist supports could fail due to exceeding their service-life limit, potentially causing serious injuries or fatalities. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure accurate record keeping and timely replacement to comply with regulatory requirements and maintain safe helicopter operations. Compliance helps prevent unsafe conditions and supports continued airworthiness.
What To Do
Operators of PZL W-3A helicopters with affected hoist supports must inspect the parts before the next hoist operation flight or within one month of 12 May 2025, whichever is sooner. If discrepancies are found, corrective actions including record recovery and part replacement must be completed within the times specified in the PZL-Swidnik Alert Service Bulletin ASB-37-25-355. Installation of hoist supports is only permitted if the parts are serviceable and maintained per approved instructions.