[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 183 (Wednesday, September 24, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45914-45917]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-18497]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-2550; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01211-R;
Amendment 39-23150; AD 2025-19-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW189 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a
report of a fire occurring during the operational check of the engine
anti-icing system. This AD requires inspecting and measuring the
resistance of the air intake electrical connectors, inspecting the
bonding strap, reporting the results of the inspections, and depending
on the results of the inspection, accomplishing corrective actions.
This AD also prohibits the installation of an air intake controller
unless certain actions are accomplished. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 9, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 9,
2025.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by November 10, 2025.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
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.
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 regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-2550; 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
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
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.
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-2025-2550.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adam Hein, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316)
946-4116; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments
about this final rule. Send your comments using a method listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-2550; Project
Identifier MCAI-2025-01211-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The
most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule,
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 this final rule 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
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this final rule.
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 AD contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Adam
Hein, 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
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2025-0147, dated July 11, 2025 (EASA
AD 2025-0147) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe
condition on all Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW189 helicopters. The MCAI
states that a fire that occurred during a maintenance task of doing an
operational check of the engine anti-icing system was reported. The
fire involved the engine intake air cowling, the wirings present in
that area, and the secondary structures of the intake air frame and the
upper deck panels.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the occurrence of a fire
during the operation of the air intakes ice protection system. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in an uncontrolled
fire and possible loss of the helicopter.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-2550.
[[Page 45915]]
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2025-0147, which specifies procedures for
repetitively inspecting and measuring the isolation resistance of the
air intake electrical connectors for certain serial numbered
helicopters (Group 1 helicopters) and requires reporting the results to
the manufacturer to obtain repair instructions. EASA AD 2025-0147 also
specifies Group 1 helicopters to measure the isolation resistance of
the air intake electrical connectors prior to the accomplishment of a
certain maintenance task (air intakes ice protection system operation
test). EASA AD 2025-0147 also specifies procedures for a one-time
inspection of the bonding strap for certain serial numbered helicopters
(Group 2 helicopters) and reporting the results to the manufacturer.
EASA AD 2025-0147 also prohibits installing an air intake controller
unless certain actions are accomplished.
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
(CAA) 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 AD after determining that the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
AD Requirements
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA 2025-
0147, described previously, as incorporated by reference, except for
any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this
AD. See ``Differences Between this AD and the MCAI'' for a discussion
of the general differences included in this AD.''
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
The MCAI specifies contacting Leonardo Product Support Engineering
for applicable instructions, whereas this AD requires using a repair
method approved by the FAA, EASA, or Leonardo Helicopters' EASA Design
Organization Approval.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some CAA ADs as the primary
source of information for compliance with requirements for
corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been coordinating this process with
manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, EASA AD 2025-0147 is incorporated
by reference in this AD. This AD requires compliance with EASA AD 2025-
0147 in its entirety through that incorporation, except for any
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD.
Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular
section in EASA AD 2025-0147 does not mean that operators need comply
only with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to
``all required actions and compliance times,'' compliance with this AD
requirement is not limited to the section titled ``Required Action(s)
and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2025-0147. Material referenced in
EASA AD 2025-0147 for compliance will be available at regulations.gov
under Docket No. FAA-2025-2550 after this AD is published.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. The
manufacturer is still investigating the root cause of the unsafe
condition identified in this AD. If final action is later identified,
the FAA might consider further rulemaking.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C.
551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment
procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds that
those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the
public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this final
rule due to the increased risk of fire during operation of the engine
anti-icing system in cases where the system is not adequately insulated
or is missing a bonding strap. Additionally, the engine anti-icing
system could be used at any time, especially when operating in
instrument flight rule conditions and cold weather operations.
Therefore, the actions required by this AD must be accomplished within
25 hours time-in-service, which is a shorter time period than the time
necessary for the public to comment and for publication of the final
rule. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are
impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
553(b).
In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days,
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and
comment.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and
comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects four 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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Inspection and measurement of the 2 work-hours x $85 per $0 $170 $680
isolation resistance. hour = $170.
Inspection and installation of the 6 work-hours x $85 per 0 510 2,040
bonding strap. hour = $510.
[[Page 45916]]
Reporting and isolation resistance.... 3 work-hours x $85 per 0 255 1,020
hour = $255.
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The repairs needed as a result of repairing a discrepancy 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.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take
approximately 3 hours per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Information Collection
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
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:
2025-19-10 Leonardo S.p.A.: Amendment 39-23150; Docket No. FAA-2025-
2550; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01211-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 9, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW189 helicopters,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7160, Engine Air
Intake System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a fire occurring during the
operational check of the engine anti-icing system. The FAA is
issuing this AD to prevent the occurrence of a fire during the
operation of the air intakes ice protection system. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in an uncontrolled fire
and possible loss of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in and in accordance
with European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2025-0147, dated July
11, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0147).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0147
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0147 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2025-0147 refers to flight hours, this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where EASA AD 2025-0147 refers to isolation resistance check
or isolation check, this AD requires using isolation resistance
measurement.
(4) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2025-0147 states ``any
discrepancy'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``any
isolation resistance that is less than 10 M[Omega] at 500Vdc +/-
50Vdc''.
(5) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2025-0147 states ``contact
Leonardo Product Support Engineering for applicable instructions'',
this AD requires replacing that text with ``repair the discrepancy
using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Leonardo Helicopters' EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature''.
(6) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2025-0147 states ``any
discrepancy is detected'', this AD requires replacing that text with
``if bonding strap is missing''.
(7) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0147.
(i) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are permitted provided the air intake
heating system is not used during the ferry flight.
(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
[[Page 45917]]
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 Adam Hein, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: (316) 946-4116; 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 2025-0147,
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 this 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 September 17, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-18497 Filed 9-22-25; 4:15 pm]
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