AD FAA-2009-0195

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model EC 155B and EC155B1 helicopters. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. The MCAI states that "the Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted by the discovery of a short circuit evidence in hoist connector "24 Delta" even though the hoist was removed from the rotorcraft. The short circuit generated sufficient heat to ignite the paint on the cooler support cowling near the hoist cut-off connector "24 Delta." This condition, if not corrected, could result in a fire in this area which could propagate to surrounding zones." This AD requires actions that are intended to address this unsafe condition.