Rule2026-10170
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 21, 2026
Effective
June 25, 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, AW139, and AW189 helicopters. 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. This AD requires 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 AD also prohibits installing certain parts unless certain requirements are met. 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 98 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 98 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29890-29892]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-10170]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-0025; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01294-R;
Amendment 39-23343; AD 2026-10-03]
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, AW139, and AW189 helicopters. 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. This AD
requires 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 AD also prohibits installing
certain parts unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective June 25, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publications listed in this AD as of June 25,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
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 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#e1a0a592a184809280cf8494938e9180cf8494"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="38797c4b785d594b59165d4d4a574859165d4d">[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-2026-0025.
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#cbb8bfaebdaea5e5b9e5bcaab9bca2a8a08badaaaae5aca4bd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c4b7b0a1b2a1aaeab6eab3a5b6b3ada7af84a2a5a5eaa3abb2">[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, AW139, and AW189 helicopters. The NPRM was published in
the Federal Register on January 26, 2026 (91 FR 3081); corrected
February 6, 2026 (91 FR 9514). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2025-
0163, dated July 30, 2025, (EASA 2025-0163) (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 that occurrences of
cracking on the LH and RH pilot pedal tubes (also referred to as the
tube assemblies installed on the brake pedal assemblies) 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.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to 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. In
the NPRM the FAA also proposed to prohibit installing certain parts
unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to
detect and address cracks on the LH and RH tube assemblies and pedal
shaft assemblies installed on the brake pedal assemblies. This unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could lead to structural failure of the
brake pedal assembly and 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.
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
[[Page 29891]]
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 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 2025-
0163 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 153 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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Inspect LH and RH tube assembly or shaft 2 work-hours x $85 per hour $0 $170 $26,010
assembly. = $170.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any replacements that
would be required based on the results of the inspection. The agency
has no way of determining the number of helicopters that might need
these replacements.
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replace tube assembly or shaft assembly 1 work-hour x $85 per hour $3,381 $3,466.
(1 assembly). = $85.
Manufacture and install placard......... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour 0 85.
= $85.
Revise the RFM.......................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour 0 85 per RFM revision.
= $85.
Inspect (repetitively) LH and RH tube 2 work-hours x $85 per 0 170.
assembly or shaft assembly. hour = $170.
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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 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
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:
2026-10-03 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-23343; Docket No. FAA-2026-
0025; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01294-R.
[[Page 29892]]
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 25, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all 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 and pedal shaft assemblies. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to structural failure
of the brake 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 rotorcraft flight
manual (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 2025-0163 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2025-0163 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0163 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
2025-0163.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0163
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#adece0e2eeedcbcccc83cac2db"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="94d5d9dbd7d4f2f5f5baf3fbe2">[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#e192958497848fcf93cf9680939688828aa1878080cf868e97"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7506011003101b5b075b021407021c161e351314145b121a03">[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#9adbdee9dafffbe9fbb4ffefe8f5eafbb4ffef"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6f2e2b1c2f0a0e1c0e410a1a1d001f0e410a1a">[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#d1b7a3ffb8bfa2a1b4b2a5b8bebf91bfb0a3b0ffb6bea7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1c7a6e3275726f6c797f687573725c727d6e7d327b736a">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on May 6, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-10170 Filed 5-20-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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