{"id":"F2005L01052","name":"AD/AS 355/82 Amdt 1 - BREEZE Hoist Hooks","slug":"ad-as-355-82-amdt-1-breeze-hoist-hooks","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":34630,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2005L01052-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-01","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series","sectionType":"division","heading":"Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters","content":"### Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters\n\n| AD/AS 355/82 Amdt 1 | BREEZE Hoist Hooks | 6/2005 |\n| ------------------- | ------------------ | ------ |\n\n| Applicability: | Model AS 355 E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters, equipped with Breeze hoists fitted with hook assembly part number BL-7520-01; with hook part number BL-7520.Note: The affected hook is not fitted with a tongue locking system.                                                                                                                                                                        |\n| -------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| Requirement:   | 1. Accomplish the operational procedure, and the restriction prohibiting the use of straps, in accordance with the instructions specified in paragraph 2.A. of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 01.00.50.2. Accomplish the instructions specified in paragraph 2.B. of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 01.00.50.Note: DGAC AD F-2004-170 R1 refers.                                       |\n| Compliance:    | 1. Before each hoisting operation.2. Within 2 months after 10 November 2004.The compliance times remain unchanged by this issue.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |\n|                | This Amendment becomes effective on 9 June 2005.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |\n| Background:    | This Directive was prompted by a case of incorrect positioning of the strap on the hoist hook during a hoisting operation, which led to distortion of the tongue and resulted in the release of the stretcher.Amendment 1 is issued in response to a revision of the related DGAC AD, which converts the Requirement document to an Alert Service Bulletin; with no change to the technical content. |\n\n![](image.001.png)  \nDavid Villiers  \nDelegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority\n\n27 April 2005","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"AD/AS 355/82 Amdt 1","sectionType":"part","heading":"AD/AS 355/82 Amdt 1","content":"## AD/AS 355/82 Amdt 1","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"BREEZE Hoist Hooks","sectionType":"part","heading":"BREEZE Hoist Hooks","content":"## BREEZE Hoist Hooks","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"6/2005","sectionType":"part","heading":"6/2005","content":"## 6/2005","sortOrder":3}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The amendment does not broaden the directive’s technical scope. According to the Background, Amendment 1 converts the Requirement document into an Alert Service Bulletin but makes no change to the technical content. The measure remains narrowly targeted at Breeze hoists with the specified hook part numbers on listed AS 355 models and prescribes an operational procedure and prohibition on using straps."},"complexity_factors":["Short directive (single-page AD)","Applicability limited to 5 helicopter models and two specific part numbers","References external documents (Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin Nos. 01.00.50.2 and 01.00.50) rather than reproducing full procedures","Two compliance timings: a recurring requirement (before each hoist) plus a one‑off deadline (within 2 months after 10 Nov 2004)","Minimal conditional logic and no nested exceptions","Amendment converts requirement document to an ASB with stated no change to technical content"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this directive does (mechanically)**\n\n- It applies to Eurocopter AS 355 E, F, F1, F2 and N helicopters that have Breeze hoists fitted with hook assembly part number BL-7520-01 and hook part number BL-7520 (the affected hook does not have a tongue‑locking system). (Applicability)\n\n- It requires operators to carry out a specific operational procedure and to stop using straps on that hoist hook. The actions must follow the steps set out in Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 01.00.50.2 (paragraph 2.A) and the instructions in paragraph 2.B of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 01.00.50. (Requirement)\n\n- The operational check or procedure must be done before each hoisting operation, and there was a one‑off compliance deadline of within 2 months after 10 November 2004 for initial compliance. (Compliance)\n\n**Why this was issued (stated purpose)**\n\n- The directive was prompted by an incident where a strap was positioned incorrectly on the hook during a hoist, which distorted the hook tongue and allowed a stretcher to be released. The amendment converts the original requirement document into an Alert Service Bulletin without changing the technical content. (Background)\n\n**Who this affects and who decides**\n\n- Who pays / implements: helicopter operators and maintainers who operate the listed AS 355 models with the specified Breeze hoist hook must implement the required operational procedure and stop using straps on that hook. They bear the time and administrative cost of the checks, training, and any changes to standard operating procedures. (Applicability, Requirement)\n\n- Who enforces: the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) enforces compliance with this airworthiness directive; the document is issued under CASA authority (cover page and signature).\n\n**Behaviour changes required**\n\n- Operators must (a) change their hoisting routine to perform the specified operational check before each hoist, and (b) prohibit the use of straps on the affected hook. That alters routine pre‑hoist checks and how crews rig loads for hoisting operations. (Requirement, Compliance)\n\n**Costs, incentives and trade‑offs**\n\n- Direct costs are likely modest: time spent performing the required check before every hoist, updating manuals/checklists, and training crews in the new procedure and the prohibition on straps. (Requirement, Compliance)\n\n- There is a potential indirect cost if operators decide to remove or replace the affected hoist hooks or install hooks with tongue‑locking systems to avoid the ongoing procedural burden; the directive itself does not mandate hardware replacement, only an operational restriction. (Applicability, Background)\n\n- The safety benefit (reduced risk of an unintended release) is the stated intent; the operational cost is recurring (checks before each hoist) and a one‑off administrative update. The directive shifts day‑to‑day responsibility onto operators to follow the Alert Service Bulletin's steps. (Background, Requirement)\n\n**Implementation risks and compliance burden**\n\n- Compliance depends on operators obtaining and following the referenced Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin. That introduces an external dependency (the ASB) rather than embedding the full procedure in the directive. (Requirement)\n\n- The routine before‑each‑hoist check increases ongoing crew workload; lapses in execution would keep the safety risk. Enforcement and effective compliance therefore rely on training, checklists, and supervisory oversight. (Compliance)\n\n**Concrete incentives and substitution effects**\n\n- Operators face an incentive to avoid the repeated procedural burden either by stricter operational discipline or by replacing the hook with a design that includes a tongue‑locking system. The AD does not require replacement, so market responses (demand for locking hooks or alternate hoists) would be private choices by operators. (Applicability, Background)\n\n**Source claims vs mechanical effect**\n\n- The document claims the measure addresses a specific failure mode (strap mis‑positioning causing tongue distortion and stretcher release). Mechanically, it mandates a pre‑hoist procedure and bans using straps on the affected hook — both operational controls rather than hardware fixes. (Background, Requirement)\n\n"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is an amendment to an existing Airworthiness Directive. The amendment explicitly states it makes 'no change to the technical content' — it only updates the reference document type (from a French DGAC AD to a Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin). The scope remains exactly as originally intended: addressing a specific mechanical failure mode in a specific hoist hook model on specific helicopter variants."},"complexity_factors":["Very short document (approximately 250 words)","Only 2 specific part numbers referenced (BL-7520-01 and BL-7520)","Simple two-part compliance requirement with clear deadlines","No defined terms section","No cross-references to other legislation beyond a single manufacturer service bulletin and related French authority document","Single, specific applicability criterion (5 helicopter models with specific hook configuration)"],"plain_english_summary":"This is an **Airworthiness Directive (AD)** — essentially a mandatory safety notice for aircraft. It applies to specific **Eurocopter AS 355 helicopters** (also known as Twin Ecureuil) that are equipped with a particular type of **Breeze hoist hook** used for lifting operations.\n\n**What the problem is:**\nA safety incident occurred where a strap was incorrectly positioned on the hoist hook during a rescue or lifting operation. This caused the hook's tongue to bend out of shape, which then released the stretcher being carried — a dangerous failure.\n\n**What must be done:**\nOperators must follow specific **operational procedures and restrictions** before every hoisting operation. They must also complete additional instructions within **2 months after 10 November 2004**. These requirements come from a manufacturer's **Alert Service Bulletin** (an urgent safety notice from the helicopter maker).\n\n**Key restriction:**\nThe use of **straps** with these hooks is now prohibited because of the safety risk.\n\n**Why this matters:**\nThis directive prevents hoist hook failures that could cause people or equipment to fall during helicopter rescue or lifting operations. The amendment itself doesn't change the technical requirements — it just updates the reference document from a French aviation authority directive to a manufacturer service bulletin."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-as-355-82-amdt-1-breeze-hoist-hooks","history":"/api/acts/ad-as-355-82-amdt-1-breeze-hoist-hooks/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-as-355-82-amdt-1-breeze-hoist-hooks/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-as-355-82-amdt-1-breeze-hoist-hooks/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-as-355-82-amdt-1-breeze-hoist-hooks/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-as-355-82-amdt-1-breeze-hoist-hooks/documents"}}