Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 222 (Thursday, November 20, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52232-52234]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-20451]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-1348; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00159-R; 
Amendment 39-23176; AD 2025-21-04]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-09-
02, which applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters. AD 
2024-09-02 required replacing certain aft float assemblies or, as an 
alternative, deactivating the emergency flotation system (EFS). AD 
2024-09-02 also prohibited the installation of certain forward and aft 
float assemblies. Since the FAA issued AD 2024-09-02, the FAA has 
determined that replacing additional forward and aft float assemblies 
is necessary. This AD retains all the actions of AD 2024-09-02 and also 
requires replacing certain forward and aft float assemblies within 24 
months or during the next accomplishment of a certain maintenance task. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 26, 2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 5, 2024 
(89 FR 44547, May 21, 2024).

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-1348; 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: [email protected]; 
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. It is also available at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-1348.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Yves Petiote, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
phone: (202) 975-4867; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 52233]]

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2024-09-02, Amendment 39-22744 (89 FR 
44547, May 21, 2024), (AD 2024-09-02), which applied to all Leonardo 
S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters. AD 2024-09-02 was prompted by EASA 
Emergency AD 2023-0188-E, dated October 30, 2023, (EASA Emergency AD 
2023-0188-E) (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 EASA Emergency AD 2023-0188-E was issued to correct an 
unsafe condition identified as manufacturing defects in certain DART 
Aerospace forward float and aft float with life raft assemblies. The 
FAA issued AD 2024-09-02 to address non-conforming float assemblies. 
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of a 
float assembly during an emergency landing on water and could prevent a 
timely egress from the helicopter, which could result in injury to 
helicopter occupants.
    The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on July 1, 2025 (90 
FR 28237). The NPRM was prompted by a determination that replacing 
certain forward and aft float assemblies within 24 months or during the 
next accomplishment of maintenance task 95-24 or 95-25 of the Leonardo 
air vehicle maintenance planning information 69-B-05-21-00-00A-028A-A 
is necessary to address the unsafe condition. In the NPRM, the FAA 
proposed to retain all of the requirements of AD 2024-09-02 and also 
proposed to require the long-term requirement of replacing certain 
forward and aft float assemblies and proposed to revise the Cost of 
Compliance paragraph to include this cost. Additionally, the NPRM 
updated the part cost for the aft float assembly, and added the part 
cost of the forward float assembly.
    Furthermore, the preamble to AD 2024-09-02 explained that the FAA 
considered the requirements ``interim action'' and was considering 
further rulemaking. The FAA has now determined that further rulemaking 
is indeed necessary. This AD follows from that determination.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-1348.

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, 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 2023-0188-E, which the Director of the 
Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of June 5, 
2024 (89 FR 44547, May 21, 2024). EASA Emergency AD 2023-0188-E 
requires removing each affected float assembly and sending it to 
Leonardo and replacing it with a serviceable float assembly. As an 
alternative, EASA Emergency AD 2023-0188-E allows deactivating the EFS 
by locking the float auto breaker in EDCU [enhanced display control 
unit] 1 or 2; pulling, locking, and tagging the breaker from the 
overhead circuit breaker panel; and installing a decal in clear view of 
the pilot. EASA Emergency AD 2023-0188-E also prohibits installing an 
affected float assembly on a 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 will affect 23 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per hour. Based on these 
numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD.
    Replacing an affected float assembly takes 2 work-hours and parts 
cost up to $38,000 for an aft float with life raft assembly and up to 
$19,000 for a forward float assembly, for an estimated cost of up to 
$114,170 per helicopter (up to two aft and up to two forward float 
assemblies) and $2,625,910 for the U.S. fleet.
    Deactivating the EFS takes about 1 work-hour, for an estimated cost 
of $85 per helicopter and $1,955 for the U.S. fleet.
    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

    The FAA has determined that 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:


[[Page 52234]]


    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 2024-09-02, Amendment 39-22744 (89 
FR 44547, May 21, 2024); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2025-21-04 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-23176; Docket No. FAA-2025-
1348; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00159-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 26, 
2025.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2024-09-02, Amendment 39-22744 (89 FR 44547, 
May 21, 2024).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2560, Emergency 
Equipment; and 2564, Life Raft.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by manufacturing defects in certain forward 
and aft float assemblies. The FAA is issuing this AD to address non-
conforming float assemblies. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could result in failure of a float assembly during an emergency 
landing on water and could prevent a timely egress from the 
helicopter, which could result in injury to helicopter occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    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 (EASA) 
Emergency AD 2023-0188-E, dated October 30, 2023 (EASA Emergency AD 
2023-0188-E).

(h) Exceptions to EASA Emergency AD 2023-0188-E

    (1) Where EASA Emergency AD 2023-0188-E requires compliance in 
terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
    (2) Where EASA Emergency AD 2023-0188-E refers to its effective 
date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD, except 
for Group 1 helicopters.
    (3) Where Table 1 of EASA Emergency AD 2023-0188-E refers to its 
effective date, for Group 1 helicopters, this AD requires using the 
effective date of June 5, 2024 (the effective date of AD 2024-09-
02).
    (4) Where Table 1 of EASA Emergency AD 2023-0188-E refers to 
``Leonardo Aircraft Maintenance Manual Data Module (DM) 69-A-05-21-
00-00A-028A-A'', this AD requires replacing that text with 
``Leonardo air vehicle maintenance planning information 69-B-05-21-
00-00A-028A-A''.
    (5) Where the service information referenced in paragraph (1) of 
EASA Emergency AD 2023-0188-E specifies sending a removed float 
assembly to Leonardo, this AD does not require that action.
    (6) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2023-0188-E.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in EASA Emergency AD 
2023-0188-E specifies to submit certain information to the 
manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.

(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: [email protected].
    (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 Yves Petiote, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (202) 975-4867; email 
[email protected].

(l) 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.
    (3) The following material was approved for IBR on June 5, 2024 
(89 FR 44547, May 21, 2024).
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD 
2023-0188-E, dated October 30, 2023.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 
8999 000; email: [email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. You 
may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (5) 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.
    (6) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on October 17, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-20451 Filed 11-19-25; 8:45 am]
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