Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109E, A109K2, A109S, AB412, AB412 EP, AB139, and AW139 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report that certain rescue hoist cable assemblies may be equipped with a defective ball end. This AD requires inspecting certain rescue hoist cable assemblies and, depending on the results, replacing the rescue hoist cable assembly. This AD also allows installing certain rescue hoist cable assemblies and certain rescue hoists provided its requirements are met. These actions are specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.