Proposed Rule2025-12137
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a.
Primary source
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Published
July 1, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2024-09-02, which applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters. AD 2024-09-02 requires replacing certain aft float assemblies or, as an alternative, deactivating the emergency flotation system (EFS). AD 2024-09-02 also prohibits the installation of certain forward and aft float assemblies. Since the FAA issued AD 2024-09-02, the FAA has determined that replacing additional forward float and aft float life raft assemblies (also referred to as forward and aft float assemblies) is necessary. This proposed AD would retain all actions of AD 2024-09-02 and would also require replacing certain forward and aft float assemblies within 24 months or during the next accomplishment of a maintenance task. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 124 (Tuesday, July 1, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 1, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 28237-28239]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-12137]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 124 / Tuesday, July 1, 2025 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 28237]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-1348; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00159-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a.
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede airworthiness directive (AD)
2024-09-02, which applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169
helicopters. AD 2024-09-02 requires replacing certain aft float
assemblies or, as an alternative, deactivating the emergency flotation
system (EFS). AD 2024-09-02 also prohibits the installation of certain
forward and aft float assemblies. Since the FAA issued AD 2024-09-02,
the FAA has determined that replacing additional forward float and aft
float life raft assemblies (also referred to as forward and aft float
assemblies) is necessary. This proposed AD would retain all actions of
AD 2024-09-02 and would also require replacing certain forward and aft
float assemblies within 24 months or during the next accomplishment of
a maintenance task. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by August 15, 2025.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-1348; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material
identified in this proposed AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0140457241646072602f6474736e71602f6474"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1253566152777361733c7767607d62733c7767">[email protected]</span></a>; internet easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA
material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No FAA-20**-+++++.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Yves Petiote, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (202) 975-4867; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#176e617264396772637e7863725771767639707861"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dba2adbea8f5abbeafb2b4afbe9bbdbabaf5bcb4ad">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments using a method listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-1348;
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00159-R'' at the beginning of your
comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend the proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Yves
Petiote, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for
this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA issued AD 2024-09-02, Amendment 39-22744 (89 FR 44547, May
21, 2024), (AD 2024-09-02), for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169
helicopters. AD 2024-09-02 was prompted by an MCAI originated by EASA,
which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European
Union. EASA issued Emergency AD 2023-0188-E, dated October 30, 2023,
(EASA AD 2023-0188-E) to correct manufacturing defects in certain DART
Aerospace forward and aft float assemblies. According to DART
Aerospace, non-conforming girt bars were used in some forward and aft
float assemblies, and the belt loops in some aft float assemblies were
incorrectly positioned.
AD 2024-09-02 requires replacing certain aft float assemblies or,
as an alternative, deactivating the EFS. AD 2024-09-02 also prohibits
the
[[Page 28238]]
installation of certain forward and aft float assemblies. The FAA
issued AD 2024-09-02 to address non-conforming float assemblies. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of a float
assembly during an emergency landing on water and could prevent a
timely egress from the helicopter, which could result in injury to
helicopter occupants.
Actions Since AD 2024-09-02 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2024-09-02, the FAA has determined that
replacing certain forward and aft float assemblies within 24 months or
during the next accomplishment of maintenance task 95-24 or 95-25 of
the Leonardo air vehicle maintenance planning information 69-B-05-21-
00-00A-028A-A is necessary to address the unsafe condition.
Accordingly, the FAA has included this long-term requirement in this
proposed AD. The preamble to AD 2024-09-02 explains that the FAA
considers the requirements ``interim action'' and was considering
further rulemaking. The FAA has now determined that further rulemaking
is indeed necessary, and this proposed AD follows from that
determination.
AD 2024-09-02 did not include the cost of deactivating the EFS,
whereas this proposed AD revises the Cost of Compliance paragraph to
include this cost. In addition, the Cost of Compliance paragraph
reflects an increase in the number of affected helicopters from 15 to
23, updates the part cost for the aft float assembly, and adds the part
cost of the forward float assembly.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-1348.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
This proposed AD would require EASA AD 2023-0188-E, which the
Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by
reference as of June 5, 2024 (89 FR 44547, May 21, 2024). EASA AD 2023-
0188-E requires removing each affected float assembly and sending it to
Leonardo and replacing it with a serviceable float assembly. As an
alternative, EASA AD 2023-0188-E allows deactivating the EFS by locking
the float auto breaker in EDCU [enhanced display control unit] 1 or 2;
pulling, locking, and tagging the breaker from the overhead circuit
breaker panel; and installing a decal in clear view of the pilot. EASA
AD 2023-0188-E also prohibits installing an affected float assembly on
a helicopter.
This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
These products have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in
the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after
determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to
exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would retain all requirements of AD 2024-09-02 and
would also require accomplishing actions for Group 2 helicopters
specified in EASA AD 2023-0188-E described previously, as proposed to
be incorporated by reference, except for any differences identified as
exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2023-0188-E by reference in the FAA
final rule. The proposed AD, therefore, would require compliance with
EASA AD 2023-0188-E in its entirety through that incorporation, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading
of a particular section in EASA AD 2023-0188-E does not mean that
operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance times,''
compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section
titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2023-
0188-E. Service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0188-E for
compliance will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-
2025-1348 after this final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 23 helicopters of U.S. registry. Labor rates are estimated at
$85 per hour. Based on these numbers, the FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this AD.
Replacing an affected float assembly would take 2 work-hours and
parts cost up to $38,000 for an aft float assembly and up to $19,000
for a forward float assembly, for an estimated cost of up to $114,170
per helicopter (up to two aft and up to two forward float assemblies)
and $2,625,910 for the U.S. fleet.
Deactivating the EFS would take about 1 work-hour, for an estimated
cost of $85 per helicopter and $1,955 for the U.S. fleet.
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
[[Page 28239]]
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2024-09-02, Amendment 39-22744 (89
FR 44547, May 21, 2024); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
Leonardo S.p.a.: Docket No. FAA-2025-1348; Project Identifier MCAI-
2025-00159-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by August 15, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2024-09-02, Amendment 39-22744 (89 FR 44547,
May 21, 2024).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2560, Emergency
Equipment; and 2564, Life Raft.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by manufacturing defects in certain forward
and aft float assemblies. The FAA is issuing this AD to address non-
conforming float assemblies. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in failure of a float assembly during an emergency
landing on water and could prevent a timely egress from the
helicopter, which could result in injury to helicopter occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
Emergency AD 2023-0188-E, dated October 30, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0188-
E).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0188-E
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0188-E requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2023-0188-E refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD, except for Group 1
helicopters.
(3) Where Table 1 of EASA AD 2023-0188-E refers to its effective
date, for Group 1 helicopters, this AD requires using the effective
date of June 5, 2024 (the effective date of AD 2024-09-02).
(4) Where Table 1 of EASA AD 2023-0188-E refers to ``Leonardo
Aircraft Maintenance Manual Data Module (DM) 69-A-05-21-00-00A-028A-
A'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``Leonardo air
vehicle maintenance planning information 69-B-05-21-00-00A-028A-A''.
(5) Where the service information referenced in paragraph (1) of
EASA AD 2023-0188-E specifies sending a removed float assembly to
Leonardo, this AD does not require that action.
(6) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2023-0188-E.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-
0188-E specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer,
this AD does not require that action.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of
this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a1e0eceee2e1c7c0c08fc6ced7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f9b8b4b6bab99f9898d79e968f">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Yves Petiote,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (202) 975-4867; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c6bfb0a3b5e8b6a3b2afa9b2a386a0a7a7e8a1a9b0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="720b0417015c0217061b1d0617321413135c151d04">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following material was approved for IBR on June 5, 2024
(89 FR 44547, May 21, 2024).
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD
2023-0188-E, dated October 30, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4203063102272331236c2737302d32236c2737"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="99d8ddead9fcf8eaf8b7fcecebf6e9f8b7fcec">[email protected]</span></a>; website easa.europa.eu. You may
find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(5) You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(6) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4a762b6a22382f2c77" http: www.archives.gov federal-register cfr ibr-locationsoremailfr.inspection@nara.gov">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/<span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="177e75653a7b787476637e7879647865727a767e7b7165397e7964677274637e7879577976657639707861">[email protected]</span></a>"><a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locationsoremailfr.inspection@nara.gov">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/<span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="355c574718595a5654415c5a5b465a475058545c5953471b5c5b46455056415c5a5b755b5447541b525a43">[email protected]</span></a></a>.
Issued on June 25, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-12137 Filed 6-30-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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