Proposed Rule2026-08316
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
April 29, 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 AW189 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking on the ejector ducts. This proposed AD would require repetitively inspecting the left-hand (LH) side and right-hand (RH) side ejector ducts, including the exhaust bracket reinforcements and reinforcement plates, and, depending on the results, replacing any affected ejector duct. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 82 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 82 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 23031-23034]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-08316]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-3869; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00429-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports of cracking on the ejector ducts. This proposed AD
would require repetitively inspecting the left-hand (LH) side and
right-hand (RH) side ejector ducts, including the exhaust bracket
reinforcements and reinforcement plates, and, depending on the results,
replacing any affected ejector duct. The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by June 15, 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-2026-3869; 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 AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2c6d685f6c494d5f4d0249595e435c4d024959"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8ccdc8ffcce9edffeda2e9f9fee3fceda2e9f9">[email protected]</span></a>;
website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website
at ad.easa.europa.eu.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 10101 Hillwood Parkway,
Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Enns, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316)
946-4147; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e68287908f82c883888895a6808787c8818990"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ddb9bcabb4b9f3b8b3b3ae9dbbbcbcf3bab2ab">[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-2026-3869; Project Identifier
MCAI-2025-00429-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
[[Page 23032]]
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 David
Enns, 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 2025-0064, dated March 25, 2025
(EASA AD 2025-0064) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition on all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters. The
MCAI states that there have been reports of cracking on ejector duct
part number (P/N) 8G7810P00131 (LH side) and P/N 8G7810P00231 (RH side)
of the rear sliding cowling, where the engine exhaust ducts are
installed. The MCAI also states that investigation of the cracks, which
developed around the engine exhaust duct boundary reinforcement plate,
is ongoing to identify the root cause of the occurrences, and the
inspection area needs to be extended to the area of the exhaust bracket
reinforcements. Additionally, the MCAI states that, due to reasons
still under investigation, Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters
having manufacturer serial numbers 49018, 49019, 49025, or 49028 are
subject to shorter compliance times due to higher likelihood of
cracking. The MCAI also considers this an interim action.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
detachment of a part of the ejector duct, which could impact the
helicopter tailplane or the tail rotor with consequent loss of control
of the helicopter.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-3869.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2025-0064, which specifies procedures for
repetitively inspecting the LH and RH ejector ducts P/N 8G7810P00131
(LH side) and P/N 8G7810P00231 (RH side) and the exhaust bracket
reinforcements and reinforcement plates. Depending on the results of
the inspection, EASA AD 2025-0064 specifies procedures for replacing
the ejector duct and reporting inspection results to Leonardo if any
discrepancy is detected as a result of the inspection.
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 accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2025-0064, described previously, as 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 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 incorporates EASA AD 2025-
0064 by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would,
therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2025-0064 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 2025-0064 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 2025-0064. Material required in EASA AD 2025-0064
for compliance will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No.
FAA-2026-3869 after the FAA final rule is published.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this proposed AD is an interim action. The
manufacturer is still investigating the root cause of the unsafe
condition identified in this proposed AD. If final action is later
identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect four helicopters of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Visually inspect each ejector 2 work-hours x $85 $0 $170 per inspection. $680 per inspection.
duct including the exhaust per hour = $170 per
bracket reinforcements and inspection.
reinforcement plates.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any replacements or
corrections 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 or corrections.
[[Page 23033]]
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replace an ejector duct...................... 2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $32,007 $32,177
$170.
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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-2026-3869; Project Identifier MCAI-
2025-00429-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by June 15, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7800, Engine exhaust
system.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracking on the ejector duct.
The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address cracking around the
engine exhaust duct boundary reinforcement plate. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could lead to detachment of a part of
the ejector duct, which could impact the helicopter tailplane or the
tail rotor with consequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
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 2025-0064,
dated March 25, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0064).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0064
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0064 refers to its effective date, or
July 26, 2023 [the effective date of EASA AD 2023-0149], this AD
requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2025-0064 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0064.
(i) No Reporting or Returning of Parts Requirement
Although EASA AD 2025-0064 and the material referenced in EASA
AD 2025-0064 specifies reporting certain information or to return
any parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not require those
actions.
(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#6524282a26250304044b020a13"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="13525e5c50537572723d747c65">[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 David Enns, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: (316) 946-4147; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d5b1b4a3bcb1fbb0bbbba695b3b4b4fbb2baa3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c0a4a1b6a9a4eea5aeaeb380a6a1a1eea7afb6">[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 2025-0064,
dated March 25, 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#93d2d7e0d3f6f2e0f2bdf6e6e1fce3f2bdf6e6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a4e5e0d7e4c1c5d7c58ac1d1d6cbd4c58ac1d1">[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, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 10101 Hillwood Parkway,
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#791f0b5710170a091c1a0d1016173917180b18571e160f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2e485c0047405d5e4b4d5a4741406e404f5c4f00494158">[email protected]</span></a>.
[[Page 23034]]
Issued on April 24, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-08316 Filed 4-28-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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