ATF,
The issue of problems with Breeze hooks was raised in
this thread . Along with other BK117 operators, I had (past tense) a Breeze Eastern A45, which gave a number of uncommanded jettisons. These are 30+ year old designs, and no longer supported by Breeze Eastern, as per Service Information Letter dated 26th April 2002. The fault is to do with tension on the emergency (manual) release, which appears to be interfaced with the auto release feature that was designed into the hook, but not used. The hook's fine in flight until <100lbs force, when it then 'auto releases'.
We've replaced our hooks with OBS Talon keeperless units, which are great. We have had to fabricate bumper rings to protect the hook, since the BK suspension system drops it (the hook) into the dirt and dust on every landing, which would soon wreck the unit, but otherwise it is a vast improvement, especially not having to worry about the diameter of the ring attached to the hook. With the keeperless system, it will accept any size without any risk of roll out
