AD FAA-2009-0804

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB412 and AB412 EP 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 establishes a life limit for certain rescue hoist cable assemblies and introduces the term "hoist lift" for determining cable life instead of the term "hoist cycle." The MCAI also establishes a replacement time for each affected rescue hoist cable assembly (hoist cable assembly) for which the accumulated number of "hoist cycles" cannot be determined. The actions are intended to prevent failure of a hoist cable and inadvertent loss of a load.