{"id":"F2006B10662","name":"AD/HU 369/102 - Thruster Control Cables","slug":"ad-hu-369-102-thruster-control-cables","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":116588,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B10662-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AD/HU 369/102 - Thruster Control Cables","content":"COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 \\- 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY\n\nSCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES\n\n![](image.001.png)  \nMcDonnell Douglas (Hughes) and Kawasaki 369 Series Helicopters\n\nAD/HU 369/102 Thruster Control Cables 1/2000\n\nTX\n\nApplicability: Model 500N S/no. 001 to 099 prefixed \"LN\" and model 600N S/no. 003 to 074 prefixed \"RN\".\n\nRequirement: 1. Inspect the forward and centre thruster control cables in accordance with:\n\n    MD Helicopters Inc. Service Bulletin SB 500N-021 or SB 600N-028 for cracking, corrosion or other damage in the cap at the telescopic swivel end; and then\n\n    b. MD Helicopters Inc. Service Bulletin SB 500N-020R1 or SB600N-027R1 in the cap relieved area.\n\n    2. Install forward and centre thruster control cables P/n 500N7201-55 and \\-57, in model 500N, or P/n 500N7201-55 and -59 in model 600N.\n\nNote: FAA AD 99-25-08 refers.\n\nCompliance: 1. Within:\n\n    5 hours time in service after the effective date of this Directive, and\n\n    b. 100 hours time in service after the effective date of this Directive or before 28 February 2000 whichever occurs first.\n\nThereafter repeat both inspections at intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service, or 3 months; whichever occurs first, until modified in accordance with 2.\n\n2. Before 01 December 2000.\n\nThis Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 17 December 1999.\n\nBackground: This Directive is issued following discovery of stress corrosion cracking in the forward and centre thruster control cable conduit cap at the telescopic swivel end, and in the relieved area. The named thruster cables control the NOTAR directional control thruster and the LH vertical stabiliser. Failure of a cable could cause a fixed thruster condition and loss of normal anti-torque directional control.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a discrete, original-issue Airworthiness Directive addressing a specific safety-critical defect in defined helicopter models. It has not expanded beyond its original purpose of mandating inspection and replacement of defective thruster control cables."},"complexity_factors":["Short, single-purpose directive (approximately 250 words)","Only 4 defined applicability criteria (model numbers, serial number ranges, prefixes)","Two-step inspection requirement with specific manufacturer document references (Service Bulletins)","Nested timing conditions: initial compliance has two deadlines (5 hours vs 100 hours/28 Feb), with ongoing recurring inspections until modification","Cross-reference to one FAA AD (99-25-08) and four specific manufacturer Service Bulletins","Part number specificity for replacement components (four distinct part numbers across two models)"],"plain_english_summary":"This Airworthiness Directive mandates owners/operators of certain McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) 500N (LN001–099) and 600N (RN003–074) helicopters to inspect and replace tail thruster control cables after discovery of stress-corrosion cracking in critical areas. The action — immediate inspections, recurring checks until replacement, and mandated replacement with improved parts — addresses a failure mode that can cause loss of directional control.\n\nIt affects the listed serial-numbered helicopters and aims to prevent in-flight loss of anti-torque control and potential crashes by forcing timely corrective action."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The directive targets forward and centre thruster control cables on the listed serial-numbered helicopters and prescribes inspection intervals and mandatory replacement by a set date to address discovered stress corrosion cracking. It does not expand or narrow the affected components or aircraft beyond that stated purpose."},"complexity_factors":["Aircraft- and serial-number-specific applicability (Model 500N S/n 001–099 prefixed 'LN'; Model 600N S/n 003–074 prefixed 'RN') — raises tracking and applicability checks.","Multiple referenced service bulletins (SB 500N-021, SB 600N-028, SB 500N-020R1, SB600N-027R1) — operators must follow external technical procedures (Requirement).","Short and staged compliance deadlines (5 hours, 100 hours or before 28 Feb 2000, repeat intervals 100 hours or 3 months, and final modification before 01 Dec 2000) — creates scheduling constraints (Compliance).","Mandatory replacement with specified part numbers (P/n 500N7201-55/57/59) — procurement and installation burden.","Safety-critical failure consequence (loss of anti-torque directional control) increases urgency and enforcement risk (Background).","Cross-reference to FAA AD 99-25-08 adds regulatory coordination/validation requirements (Note)."],"plain_english_summary":"Requires operators of specified McDonnell Douglas (Hughes)/Kawasaki 369-series helicopters (Model 500N S/n 001–099 prefixed “LN”; Model 600N S/n 003–074 prefixed “RN”) to inspect forward and centre thruster control cables for cracking, corrosion or damage per MD Helicopters service bulletins and to install specified replacement part numbers by 1 December 2000. (Applicability; Requirement; Compliance)\n\nOperators must perform inspections within 5 and 100 flight hours and then at 100‑hour or 3‑month intervals until replaced; operators bear the cost and operational impact, and must comply with the CASA directive to avoid thruster failure. (Compliance; Background)"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-hu-369-102-thruster-control-cables","history":"/api/acts/ad-hu-369-102-thruster-control-cables/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-hu-369-102-thruster-control-cables/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-hu-369-102-thruster-control-cables/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-hu-369-102-thruster-control-cables/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-hu-369-102-thruster-control-cables/documents"}}