Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters

Issuing agencies

Abstract

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-05-07, which applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters. AD 2024-05-07 requires revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing helicopter maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. Since the FAA issued AD 2024-05-07, it was determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the ALS of the existing maintenance manual or ICA and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. 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 216 (Tuesday, November 10, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 216 (Tuesday, November 10, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 72470-72472]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-22928]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2026-13796; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00015-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2024-05-07, which applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 
helicopters. AD 2024-05-07 requires revising the airworthiness 
limitations section (ALS) of the existing helicopter maintenance manual 
or instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) and the existing 
approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. Since the 
FAA issued AD 2024-05-07, it was determined that new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD 
would require revising the ALS of the existing maintenance manual or 
ICA and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by December 28, 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-2026-13796; 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 Air vehicle maintenance planning information material 
identified in this proposed AD, contact Leonardo Helicopters, Via 
Giovanni Agusta 520, 21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; phone: 
(+39) 0331-229111; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9ff7faf3f6fcf0efebfaedecf6f1f9f0dff3faf0f1feedfbf0b1fcf0f2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cea6aba2a7ada1bebaabbcbda7a0a8a18ea2aba1a0afbcaaa1e0ada1a3">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>.
    <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: George Weir, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 
222-4045; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e7808288958082c986c990828e95a7818686c9808891"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a8cfcdc7dacfcd86c986dfcdc1dae8cec9c986cfc7de">[email&#160;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-2026-13796; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2026-00015-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 the 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

[[Page 72471]]

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 George Weir 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

    The FAA issued AD 2024-05-07, Amendment 39-22698 (89 FR 24686, 
April 9, 2024) (AD 2024-05-07), for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 
helicopters. AD 2024-05-07 was prompted by an MCAI originated by the 
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued EASA AD 
2023-0161, dated August 16, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0161), to correct an 
unsafe condition identified as fatigue cracking, damage, and corrosion 
in principal structural elements.
    AD 2024-05-07 requires revising the ALS of the existing helicopter 
maintenance manual or ICA and the existing approved maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable. The FAA issued AD 2024-05-07 to 
address fatigue cracking, damage, and corrosion in principal structural 
elements.

Actions Since AD 2024-05-07 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2024-05-07, EASA superseded EASA AD 2023-
0161 and issued EASA AD 2025-0090, dated April 23, 2025, which was 
superseded by EASA AD 2026-0004, dated January 13, 2026 (EASA AD 2026-
0004) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations have been developed.
    The FAA is proposing this AD to address fatigue cracking, damage, 
and corrosion in principal structural elements. The unsafe condition, 
if not addressed, could result in failure of a part and 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-2026-13796.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Air vehicle maintenance planning information AW189 
89-B-AMPI-00-P, Chapter 04, Airworthiness Limitations, Issue 009, dated 
November 26, 2025. This material specifies procedures for revising the 
Aircraft Maintenance Programme (AMP) by incorporating the limitations, 
tasks, and associated thresholds and intervals described in the 
specified ALS, as applicable.
    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 
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 revising the ALS of the existing 
helicopter maintenance manual or ICA and the existing approved 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable.

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 per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
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Revise the ALS........................  1 work-hours x $85 per                $0             $85            $340
                                         hour = $85.
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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 that the 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:

[[Page 72472]]

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2024-05-07, Amendment 39-22698 (89 
FR 24686, April 9, 2024); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

Leonardo S.p.a.: Docket No. FAA-2026-13796; Project Identifier MCAI-
2026-00015-R.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by December 28, 2026.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2024-05-07, Amendment 39-22698 (89 FR 24686, 
April 9, 2024).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking, damage, and corrosion 
in principal structural elements. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in failure of a part and loss of control of 
the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
Airworthiness Limitations Section of the existing helicopter 
maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness and 
the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, by incorporating the actions and associated thresholds 
and intervals, including life limits, specified in Air vehicle 
maintenance planning information AW189 89-B-AMPI-00-P, Chapter 04, 
Airworthiness Limitations, Issue 009, dated November 26, 2025, as 
applicable for your helicopter.

(h) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals

    After the action required by paragraph (g) of this AD has been 
accomplished, no alternative actions and associated thresholds and 
intervals, including life limits, are allowed unless they are 
approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or 
the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Leonardo 
S.p.a.'s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the 
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(i) 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 (j) of 
this AD and email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#90d1dddfd3d0f6f1f1bef7ffe6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0f4e42404c4f696e6e21686079">[email&#160;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.

(j) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact George Weir, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-4045; email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#caadafa5b8adafe4abe4bdafa3b88aacababe4ada5bc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2a4d4f45584d4f044b045d4f43586a4c4b4b044d455c">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>.

(k) 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.
    (i) Air vehicle maintenance planning information AW189 89-B-
AMPI-00-P, Chapter 04, Airworthiness Limitations, Issue 009, dated 
November 26, 2025.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Air vehicle maintenance planning information material 
identified in this AD, contact Leonardo Helicopters, Via Giovanni 
Agusta 520, 21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; phone: (+39) 
0331-229111; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#80e8e5ece9e3eff0f4e5f2f3e9eee6efc0ece5efeee1f2e4efaee3efed"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fe969b92979d918e8a9b8c8d97909891be929b91909f8c9a91d09d9193">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>.
    (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#3056421e595e4340555344595f5e705e5142511e575f46"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1076623e797e6360757364797f7e507e7162713e777f66">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>.

    Issued on November 6, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-22928 Filed 11-9-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


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