Leonardo Helicopter Pilots: Inspect Those Rescue Hoist Cables Pronto
Published Date: 2/4/2025
Rule
Summary
If you fly a Leonardo helicopter like the A109 or AW139, listen up! The FAA wants you to check your rescue hoist cables because some might have a faulty part. If you find a problem, you’ll need to replace the cable soon to keep everyone safe—no messing around!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory hoist-cable inspections and fixes
If you operate a Leonardo helicopter (Models A109E, A109K2, A109S, AB412, AB412 EP, AB139, or AW139), the FAA now requires inspecting certain rescue hoist cable assemblies for a defective ball end and, depending on the inspection results, replacing the rescue hoist cable assembly. The AD incorporates a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD by reference and applies to all listed helicopter models.
Allows approved hoist installations if compliant
The AD permits installing certain rescue hoist cable assemblies and certain rescue hoists on the covered Leonardo models so long as the AD’s requirements are met. That means operators may install specified replacement assemblies/hoists that comply with the AD and the incorporated EASA requirements.
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If you fly Airbus Helicopters like the AS332 or SA-365 models, listen up! The FAA wants you to check your rescue hoist cables because some might have a faulty part that could cause trouble. You’ll need to inspect and maybe replace these cables soon to keep everyone safe—no delays or extra costs mentioned, but don’t wait around!
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