AD 2010-03-02 Airworthiness Directives; Lifesavings Systems Corp., D-Lok Hook Assembly

This AD applies to all helicopters, which have a rescue hoist assembly installed that contains a Lifesaving Systems Corp. D-Lok Hook assembly, part number (P/N) 410-A or 410-F, lot number 208 or 1108. These hooks are installed on but not limited to Goodrich Rescue Hoist Assembly P/N 42325-16-4, 42325-16-5, 44301-10 series, 44315-10, 44307-480, 44307-481, 44316-12-101, 44316-10-101, 42325-12 series, 42325-14 series, 44311-10 series, 712768-240-D 76370-140-D and 76378-260-D; and Breeze-Eastern Corporation Rescue Hoist Assembly, P/N BLH-20200-504 series. Reason (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD states that rescue hoist operators have reported surface irregularities and discontinuities on certain D-Lok Hooks supplied by Lifesaving Systems because of an unapproved change in the hook design and manufacturing process from forged material to cast material that have different physical properties. The actions are intended to prevent failure of a hook during rescue hoist operations, loss of the rescued passenger, and subsequent serious injury or fatality.

Within 200 hoist lifts, unless already done, replace each affected D-Lok Hook assembly with an airworthy hook assembly other than D-Lok Hook assembly, P/N 410-A or 410-F, lot number 208 or 1108. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD (f) The latest MCAI AD requires a visual inspection to determine whether the affected hook assembly has surface irregularities and discontinuities that exceed certain manufacturer limits. If it is within limits, the MCAI AD requires replacing the D-Lok Hook within 30 days from July 11, 2009, or upon reaching 1000 total lift cycles since installation of the affected lock, whichever occurs first. This AD does not require an inspection and requires replacing each affected D-Lok Hook within 200 lift cycles. Also, the MCAI AD is limited to Agusta, Eurocopter, and Sikorsky helicopters, and this AD applies to all helicopters with a Lifesavings Systems Corp. D-Lock Hook Assembly, P/N 410-A or 410-F, lot number 208 or 1108, installed. Other Information (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, ATTN: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Gary Roach, ASW-111, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5130, fax (817) 222-5961, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (h) EASA MCAI AD No. 2009-0124, dated June 12, 2009; 2009-0148-E, dated July 9, 2009; 2009-0179-E, dated August 11, 2009; 2009-0183-E, dated August 14, 2009; and Goodrich Service Bulletin (SB) 42315-489-01, Revision 1, dated June 5, 2009 and Breeze-Eastern Corporation SB BLH-20200-504-25-01, dated June 12, 2009, contain related information. Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code (i) JASC Code 2520: Passenger Compartment Equipment. Dated: Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 20, 2010. Mark R. Schilling, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010-1518 Filed 1-26-10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Within 200 hoist lifts, unless already done, replace each affected D-Lok Hook assembly with an airworthy hook assembly other than D-Lok Hook assembly, P/N 410-A or 410-F, lot number 208 or 1108. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD (f) The latest MCAI AD requires a visual inspection to determine whether the affected hook assembly has surface irregularities and discontinuities that exceed certain manufacturer limits. If it is within limits, the MCAI AD requires replacing the D-Lok Hook within 30 days from July 11, 2009, or upon reaching 1000 total lift cycles since installation of the affected lock, whichever occurs first. This AD does not require an inspection and requires replacing each affected D-Lok Hook within 200 lift cycles. Also, the MCAI AD is limited to Agusta, Eurocopter, and Sikorsky helicopters, and this AD applies to all helicopters with a Lifesavings Systems Corp. D-Lock Hook Assembly, P/N 410-A or 410-F, lot number 208 or 1108, installed. Other Information (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, ATTN: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Gary Roach, ASW-111, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5130, fax (817) 222-5961, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (h) EASA MCAI AD No. 2009-0124, dated June 12, 2009; 2009-0148-E, dated July 9, 2009; 2009-0179-E, dated August 11, 2009; 2009-0183-E, dated August 14, 2009; and Goodrich Service Bulletin (SB) 42315-489-01, Revision 1, dated June 5, 2009 and Breeze-Eastern Corporation SB BLH-20200-504-25-01, dated June 12, 2009, contain related information. Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code (i) JASC Code 2520: Passenger Compartment Equipment. Dated: Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 20, 2010. Mark R. Schilling, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010-1518 Filed 1-26-10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P