Rule2025-20451
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
November 20, 2025
Effective
December 26, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-09- 02, which applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters. AD 2024-09-02 required replacing certain aft float assemblies or, as an alternative, deactivating the emergency flotation system (EFS). AD 2024-09-02 also prohibited 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 and aft float assemblies is necessary. This AD retains all the actions of AD 2024-09-02 and also requires replacing certain forward and aft float assemblies within 24 months or during the next accomplishment of a certain maintenance task. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 222 (Thursday, November 20, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 222 (Thursday, November 20, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52232-52234]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-20451]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-1348; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00159-R;
Amendment 39-23176; AD 2025-21-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-09-
02, which applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters. AD
2024-09-02 required replacing certain aft float assemblies or, as an
alternative, deactivating the emergency flotation system (EFS). AD
2024-09-02 also prohibited 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 and aft float assemblies
is necessary. This AD retains all the actions of AD 2024-09-02 and also
requires replacing certain forward and aft float assemblies within 24
months or during the next accomplishment of a certain maintenance task.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 26, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 5, 2024
(89 FR 44547, May 21, 2024).
ADDRESSES:
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 final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material
identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b1f0f5c2f1d4d0c2d09fd4c4c3dec1d09fd4c4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8acbcef9caefebf9eba4effff8e5faeba4efff">[email protected]</span></a>;
website: 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-2025-1348.
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#542d2231277a2431203d3b2031143235357a333b22"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="90e9e6f5e3bee0f5e4f9ffe4f5d0f6f1f1bef7ffe6">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[[Page 52233]]
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2024-09-02, Amendment 39-22744 (89 FR
44547, May 21, 2024), (AD 2024-09-02), which applied to all Leonardo
S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters. AD 2024-09-02 was prompted by EASA
Emergency AD 2023-0188-E, dated October 30, 2023, (EASA Emergency AD
2023-0188-E) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by EASA, which is
the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. The
MCAI states EASA Emergency AD 2023-0188-E was issued to correct an
unsafe condition identified as manufacturing defects in certain DART
Aerospace forward float and aft float with life raft 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.
The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on July 1, 2025 (90
FR 28237). The NPRM was prompted by a determination 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. In the NPRM, the FAA
proposed to retain all of the requirements of AD 2024-09-02 and also
proposed to require the long-term requirement of replacing certain
forward and aft float assemblies and proposed to revise the Cost of
Compliance paragraph to include this cost. Additionally, the NPRM
updated the part cost for the aft float assembly, and added the part
cost of the forward float assembly.
Furthermore, the preamble to AD 2024-09-02 explained that the FAA
considered the requirements ``interim action'' and was considering
further rulemaking. The FAA has now determined that further rulemaking
is indeed necessary. This AD follows from that determination.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-1348.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the civil 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, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for
minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed 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 Emergency 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 Emergency 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 Emergency 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD will 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 takes 2 work-hours and parts
cost up to $38,000 for an aft float with life raft 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 takes 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 has determined that this AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will 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 Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
[[Page 52234]]
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:
2025-21-04 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-23176; Docket No. FAA-2025-
1348; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00159-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 26,
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 Emergency AD
2023-0188-E).
(h) Exceptions to EASA Emergency AD 2023-0188-E
(1) Where EASA Emergency AD 2023-0188-E requires compliance in
terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA Emergency 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 Emergency 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 Emergency 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 Emergency 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 Emergency 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#1455595b57547275753a737b62"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="480905070b082e2929662f273e">[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#b5ccc3d0c69bc5d0c1dcdac1d0f5d3d4d49bd2dac3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="255c5340560b5540514c4a5140654344440b424a53">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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#1455506754717567753a7161667b64753a7161"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9adbdee9dafffbe9fbb4ffefe8f5eafbb4ffef">[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="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a6c0d488cfc8d5d6c3c5d2cfc9c8e6c8c7d4c788c1c9d0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5d3b2f7334332e2d383e293432331d333c2f3c733a322b">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on October 17, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-20451 Filed 11-19-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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