Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 166 (Friday, August 28, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55449-55451]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-17581]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2026-4647; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01212-R; 
Amendment 39-23450; AD 2026-17-07]
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 A109A, A109A II, A109C, A109K2, A109E, A119, and 
AW119 MKII helicopters; and certain Model A109S and AW109SP 
helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of an incorrectly 
installed swashplate duplex bearing (bearing). This AD requires a one-
time inspection of the bearing and depending on the result, corrective 
action. This AD also prohibits the installation of an affected bearing 
unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

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

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-4647; 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 this 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 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2026-4647.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Evan Weaver, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 
518-9297; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 55450]]

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 A109A, A109A II, A109C, A109K2, A109E, A119, and AW119 MKII 
helicopters, and certain A109S and AW109SP helicopters. The NPRM was 
published in the Federal Register on May 28, 2026 (91 FR 31675). The 
NPRM was prompted by an MCAI, issued by EASA, which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued EASA AD 
2025-0148, dated July 11, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0148) (also referred to as 
the MCAI). The MCAI states that there was a report of improper 
installation of bearing part number 109-0110-35-3. The MCAI further 
states that relevant investigation determined that the affected bearing 
was improperly installed during production.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time inspection of 
the bearing and depending on the result, corrective action. In the 
NPRM, the FAA also proposed to prohibit the installation of an affected 
bearing unless certain requirements are met. The unsafe condition, if 
not addressed, could result in failure of the bearing and loss of 
control of the helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-4647.

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 2025-0148, which specifies procedures for 
a one-time visual inspection for proper installation of the bearing. 
EASA AD 2025-0148 also prohibits installation of the bearing on any 
helicopter unless the part is new (never previously installed) or has 
passed an inspection using certain material. 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 to contact Leonardo for corrective 
actions, this AD requires repairing an affected part in accordance with 
a method approved by the FAA, or EASA, or Leonardo S.p.A. EASA Design 
Organization Approval.
    The MCAI applies to Leonardo S.p.A. Model A109LUH helicopters, 
whereas this AD does not because that model does not have an FAA type 
certificate.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 227 helicopters of U.S. 
registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                       Cost per    Cost on U.S.
                  Action                            Labor cost           Parts cost    product       operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Visual Inspection of swashplate duplex     4 work-hours x $85 per hour           $0         $340         $77,180
 bearing.                                   = $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The extent of repairs that may be needed could vary significantly 
from helicopter to helicopter. The FAA has no way of determining the 
cost to correct or repair each helicopter or the number of helicopters 
that may require repair.
    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:

[[Page 55451]]

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:

2026-17-07 Leonardo S.p.A.: Amendment 39-23450; Docket No. FAA-2026-
4647; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01212-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 2, 2026.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.A. Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, 
A109K2, A109E, A109S, A119, AW109SP and AW119 MKII helicopters, 
certificated in any category, as identified in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0148, dated July 11, 2025 
(EASA AD 2025-0148).

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6230, Main rotor 
mast/swashplate.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of an incorrectly installed 
swashplate duplex bearing (bearing). The FAA is issuing this AD to 
detect and correct improper installation of the bearing. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the bearing 
and 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, EASA AD 2025-0148.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0148

    (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0148 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2025-0148 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD 
requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
    (3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0148 and the material 
referenced in EASA AD 2025-0148 specify contacting Leonardo for 
applicable repair instructions, this AD requires, before further 
flight, contacting the Manager, International Validation Branch, 
FAA; or EASA; or Leonardo S.p.A. EASA Design Organization Approval 
(DOA) for repair instructions and accomplishing those instructions. 
If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized 
signature.
    (4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2025-0148.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0148 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 Evan Weaver, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 518-9297; 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 2025-0148, 
dated July 11, 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, 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 www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on August 17, 2026.
Paul R. Bernado,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-17581 Filed 8-27-26; 8:45 am]
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