Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 38 (Thursday, February 26, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9443-9445]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-03872]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-5035; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00707-R; 
Amendment 39-23262; AD 2026-04-03]
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 and AW139 helicopters. This AD was prompted 
by a report of interference found in the overhead panel area between 
the electrical cables and adjacent connectors. This AD requires 
repetitively inspecting the overhead panel and, depending on the 
results, repairing or replacing the damaged wires. This AD also 
requires modifying the overhead panel on certain helicopters. The FAA 
is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 2, 2026.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 2, 
2026.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-5035; 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

[[Page 9444]]

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-2025-5035.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Yeshiambel, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
phone: (316) 946-4133; email: [email protected].

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 December 4, 2025 (90 FR 55817). The NPRM was 
prompted by EASA AD 2025-0094, dated April 24, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0094) 
(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 a 
report of interference was found in the overhead panel area between the 
electrical cables and adjacent connectors.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitively inspecting 
the overhead panel and, depending on the results, repairing or 
replacing the damaged wires. The NPRM also proposed to require 
modifying the overhead panel on certain helicopters.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address chafing of the 
electrical cables. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result 
in chafing of the electrical cables which could lead to a fire in the 
overhead panel with consequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-5035.

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 2025-0094, which specifies procedures for 
repetitively inspecting the overhead panel for interference, condition 
of the protective tape, and chafing of the cables. EASA AD 2025-0094 
also specifies procedures for certain helicopters to modify the 
overhead panel. 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.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    Where the MCAI specifies contacting Leonardo S.p.A for repair 
instructions or corrective actions, this AD requires using a method 
approved by the FAA, EASA, or Leonardo S.p.A Helicopters' EASA Design 
Organization Approval.
    EASA AD 2025-0094 specifies reporting the inspection results to 
Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, where this AD does not include that 
action.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 121 helicopters of U.S. 
registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          Cost per
              Action                      Labor cost        Parts cost    product       Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect overhead panel............  2 work-hours x $85              $0         $170  $20,570.
                                     per hour = $170.
Modify overhead panel.............  3 work-hours x $85              16          271  Up to $32,791.
                                     per hour = $255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The actions needed as a result of any cables that cannot be 
repaired could vary significantly from helicopter to helicopter. The 
FAA has no way of determining the costs to accomplish the repairs or 
the number of helicopters that may require repair.

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.

[[Page 9445]]

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:

2026-04-03 Leonardo S.p.A.: Amendment 39-23262; Docket No. FAA-2025-
5035; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00707-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 2, 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 2497, Electrical 
Power System Wiring.

 (e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of interference found in the 
overhead panel area between the electrical cables and adjacent 
connectors. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address chafing 
of the electrical cables. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could result in chafing of the electrical cables which could lead to 
a fire in the overhead panel with consequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

 (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 AD 2025-0094, 
dated April 24, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0094).

 (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0094

    (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0094 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2025-0094 requires compliance in terms of 
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
    (3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0094 specifies ``If, 
during the inspection as required by paragraph (1) of this AD, any 
discrepancy is detected, as identified in the ASB (Alert Service 
Bulletin), before next flight, accomplish the applicable corrective 
action(s) in accordance with the instructions of Part I'', this AD 
requires replacing that text with ``If, during the inspection as 
required by paragraph (1) of this AD, any discrepancy is detected, 
as identified in Part I of the ASB, before next flight, accomplish 
the applicable corrective action(s) in accordance with the 
instructions of Part I of the ASB''.
    (4) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2025-0094 specifies ``If, 
during any inspection as required by paragraph (2) of this AD, any 
discrepancy is detected, as identified in the ASB'', this AD 
requires replacing that text with ``If, during any inspection as 
required by paragraph (2) of this AD, any discrepancy is detected, 
as identified in Part II of the ASB''.
    (5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0094 specifies 
to contact ``LHD Product Support Engineering'' for repair 
instructions, this AD requires using a method approved by the 
Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Leonardo 
S.p.A. Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If 
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized 
signature.
    (6) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0094 specifies 
``if necessary, use a mirror and a source of light to completely 
inspect the area'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``Use 
a mirror and light source to inspect the area''.
    (7) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2025-0094.

 (i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although EASA AD 2025-0094 specifies reporting 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: [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 Michael Yeshiambel, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946-4190; email: 
[email protected].

 (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 2025-0094, 
dated April 24, 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: [email protected]; 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, 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.
    (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 www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on February 24, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-03872 Filed 2-25-26; 8:45 am]
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