Rule2026-09520
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
May 13, 2026
Effective
June 17, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.A. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of a damaged spare inflation system of a certain life raft kit due to the inappropriate shipment of the parts. This AD requires replacing certain life raft inflation systems and prohibits installing an affected life raft inflation system on any helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 92 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 92 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26897-26899]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-09520]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-0017; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00681-R;
Amendment 39-23326; AD 2026-09-05]
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Leonardo S.p.A. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This AD was prompted
by reports of a damaged spare inflation system of a certain life raft
kit due to the inappropriate shipment of the parts. This AD requires
replacing certain life raft inflation systems and prohibits installing
an affected life raft inflation system on any helicopter. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective June 17, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 17,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-0017; 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#dc9d98af9cb9bdafbdf2b9a9aeb3acbdf2b9a9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="adece9deedc8ccdecc83c8d8dfc2ddcc83c8d8">[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, 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. It is also available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2026-0017.
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#b3d7d2c5dad79dd6ddddc0f3d5d2d29dd4dcc5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6e0a0f18070a400b00001d2e080f0f40090118">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Leonardo S.p.A.
Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. The NPRM was published in the
Federal Register on January 21, 2026 (91 FR 2504). The NPRM was
prompted by EASA AD 2023-0101, dated May 15, 2023, issued by EASA,
which is Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union
(EASA AD 2023-0101) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states
that there have been reports of a damaged spare inflation system of
life raft kit part number (P/N) 3G9560F00111, P/N 3G9560F00112, and P/N
4G2560F00811. The MCAI further states that subsequent investigation
results revealed the damage was caused
[[Page 26898]]
by the inappropriate shipment of the parts.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacing certain life
raft inflation systems and prohibit installing an affected life raft
inflation system on any helicopter.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address a damaged life raft inflation
system. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to the
inability to inflate a life raft and possibly affect the safe
evacuation of occupants in the case of ditching over water.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-0017.
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 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 2023-0101, which specifies procedures for
replacing life raft inflation system P/N 202402A and P/N 202256A that
have a certain cylinder and valve serial number. EASA AD 2023-0101 also
prohibits installing an affected life raft inflation system part on any
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 affects 161 helicopters of U.S.
registry
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Replace life raft inflation system.... 4 work-hours x $85 per $8,910 $9,250 $1,489,250
hour = $340.
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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, 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
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:
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:
2026-09-05 Leonardo S.p.A.: Amendment 39-23326; Docket No. FAA-2026-
0017; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00681-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 17, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.A., Model AB139 and AW139
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2564, Life Raft.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of a damaged spare inflation
system of a certain life raft kit due to inappropriate shipment of
the parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address a damaged life raft
inflation system, which could lead to the inability to inflate a
life raft and possibly affect the safe evacuation of occupants in
the case of ditching over water.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
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(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 2023-0101,
dated May 15, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0101).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0101
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0101 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2023-0101 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where EASA AD 2023-0101 defines ``affected part,'' this AD
requires replacing that definition with ``Life raft inflation system
part number (P/N) 202402A and P/N 202256A that:
(i) have a cylinder and valve serial number (S/N) as specified
in Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 139-734,
original issue, dated April 13, 2023, or Revision A, dated April 28,
2023; except those that have not been modified in accordance with
the instructions of Aero Sekur Service Bulletin (SB) SB-139-25-005,
Revision 1, dated April 21, 2023, and Survitec SB 25-225-A, Revision
1, dated February 23, 2023 (co-published as one document) as
applicable; or
(ii) have a cylinder where the S/N cannot be determined.''
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2023-0101.
(i) No Reporting and Return of Parts Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0101 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer and to return the
parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not require any of these
actions.
(j) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199, provided there are no flights over water.
(k) 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 (l) of
this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#13525e5c50537572723d747c65"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8acbc7c5c9caecebeba4ede5fc">[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.
(l) 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#036762756a672d666d6d70436562622d646c75"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3a5e5b4c535e145f5454497a5c5b5b145d554c">[email protected]</span></a>.
(m) 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 2023-0101,
dated May 15, 2023.
(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#1c5d586f5c797d6f7d3279696e736c7d327969"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a2e3e6d1e2c7c3d1c38cc7d7d0cdd2c38cc7d7">[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#91f7e3bff8ffe2e1f4f2e5f8feffd1fff0e3f0bff6fee7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7016025e191e0300151304191f1e301e1102115e171f06">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on May 6, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-09520 Filed 5-12-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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