Proposed Rule2026-01463
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
January 26, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139, AW139, and AW189 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of cracks on the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) tube assemblies installed on the brake pedal assemblies. This proposed AD would require repetitively inspecting the LH and RH tube assemblies for Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, and the LH and RH pedal shaft assemblies for Model AW189 helicopters, and depending on the results of the inspection, corrective actions. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing certain parts unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 16 (Monday, January 26, 2026)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 16 (Monday, January 26, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3081-3083]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-01463]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-0025; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01294-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139, AW139, and AW189 helicopters. This
proposed AD was prompted by a report of cracks on the left-hand (LH)
and right-hand (RH) tube assemblies installed on the brake pedal
assemblies. This proposed AD would require repetitively inspecting the
LH and RH tube assemblies for Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, and
the LH and RH pedal shaft assemblies for Model AW189 helicopters, and
depending on the results of the inspection, corrective actions. This
proposed AD would also prohibit installing certain parts unless certain
requirements are met. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by March 12, 2026.
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-2026-0025; 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; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5213162112373321337c3727203d22337c3727"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="aeefeaddeecbcfddcf80cbdbdcc1decf80cbdb">[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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Warwick, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (817) 222-5225; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d7a4a3b2a1b2b9f9a5f9a0b6a5a0beb4bc97b1b6b6f9b0b8a1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="abd8dfceddcec585d985dccad9dcc2c8c0ebcdcaca85ccc4dd">[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 ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2026-0025; Project Identifier
MCAI-2025-01294-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
this 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
Steven Warwick, 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
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2025-0163, dated July 30, 2025 (EASA
AD 2025-0163) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe
condition on Leonardo S.p.A. Model AB139, AW139, and AW189 helicopters.
The MCAI states that occurrences of cracking on the LH and RH pilot
pedal tubes were reported on a Model AW139 helicopter. The MCAI further
states subsequent investigation revealed that the cracks originated
from the locking slot where the upper clamping bolt engages with the
tube; however, the root cause of the tube cracking is still under
investigation. Additionally, the MCAI states that due to design
similarity of the braking pedal assembly architecture, Model AB139 and
AW189 helicopters could be also affected by the same structural damage.
The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address cracks on the LH
and RH tube assemblies installed on the brake pedal assemblies. This
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to structural failure of
the brake pedal assembly and
[[Page 3082]]
result in reduced control of the helicopter around the yaw axis.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-0025.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2025-0163, which specifies procedures for
repetitive inspections of certain part-numbered LH and RH tube
assemblies (for Models AB139 and AW139) and certain part-numbered LH
and RH pedal shaft assemblies (for Model AW189) installed on the brake
pedal assemblies. Depending on the inspection results, EASA AD
specifies procedures for replacing an affected part with a serviceable
part or, for the copilot side only, as an alternative to replacing an
affected part, installing a temporary serviceable part for the copilot
pedal assembly set, performing repetitive inspections, manufacturing
and installing a placard, and revising the limitations section of the
rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for the helicopter. EASA AD 2025-0163
also prohibits installing an affected part on any helicopter unless
certain requirements are met.
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 civil aviation authority
(CAA) 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 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 require the actions specified in EASA AD
2025-0163, described previously, as incorporated by reference, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this proposed AD. The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private
pilot certificate may revise the existing RFM and must enter compliance
with the applicable paragraph(s) of the AD into the helicopter
maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and
91.417(a)(2)(v). The pilot may perform these actions because they only
involve revising the existing RFM for the helicopter. This action could
be performed equally well by a pilot or mechanic. This is an exception
to the FAA's standard maintenance regulations.
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 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 2025-0163 by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD
would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2025-0163 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 2025-0163 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 2025-0163. Material required in
EASA AD 2025-0163 for compliance will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>
under Docket No. FAA-2026-0025 after the FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 153 helicopters of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD.
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect LH and RH tube assembly or 2 work-hours x $85 per $0 $170 $26,010
shaft assembly. hour = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any replacements that
would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. The
agency has no way of determining the number of helicopters that might
need these replacements.
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace tube assembly or shaft 1 work-hour x $85 per $3,381 $3,466.
assembly (1 assembly). hour = $85.
Manufacture and install placard..... 1 work-hour x $85 per 0 $85.
hour = $85.
Revise the RFM...................... 1 work-hour x $85 per 0 $85 per RFM revision.
hour = $85.
Inspect LH and RH tube assembly or 2 work-hours x $85 per 0 $170.
shaft assembly. hour = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected operators.
[[Page 3083]]
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 this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
Leonardo S.p.a.: Docket No. FAA-2026-0025; Project Identifier MCAI-
2025-01294-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by March 12, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139, AW139, and AW189
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6720, Tail Rotor
Control System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of cracks on the left-hand (LH)
and right-hand (RH) tube assemblies installed on the brake pedal
assemblies. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address cracks
on the LH and RH tube assemblies. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could lead to structural failure of the pedal assembly
and result in reduced control of the helicopter around the yaw axis.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) 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 AD
2025-0163, dated July 30, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0163).
(2) For this AD, the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a
private pilot certificate may revise the existing RFM for the
helicopter by inserting Appendix 1 of EASA AD 2025-0163 and must
enter compliance into the helicopter maintenance records in
accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must
be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0163
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0228 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2024-0228 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0228 specifies
discarding parts, or scrapping parts, this AD requires removing
those parts from service.
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0228.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0228
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(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#42030f0d01022423236c252d34"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4405090b07042225256a232b32">[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 Steven Warwick,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5225; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4c3f38293a2922623e623b2d3e3b252f270c2a2d2d622b233a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fc8f88998a9992d28ed28b9d8e8b959f97bc9a9d9dd29b938a">[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.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0163,
dated July 30, 2025.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For 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#58191c2b183d392b39763d2d2a372839763d2d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dc9d98af9cb9bdafbdf2b9a9aeb3acbdf2b9a9">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may
find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) 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.
(5) 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#3157431f585f4241545245585e5f715f5043501f565e47"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fa9c88d49394898a9f998e939594ba949b889bd49d958c">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on January 22, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-01463 Filed 1-23-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on January 26, 2026.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.