[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 245 (Monday, December 29, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60559-60562]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-23861]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-5392; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01494-R;
Amendment 39-23221; AD 2025-25-13]
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 A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. This AD was
prompted by reports of trapped residue in the rear pneumatic line due
to a non-optimal cleaning procedure. This AD requires accomplishing
repetitive engine acceleration checks and, depending on the results,
replacing the rear pneumatic line and inspecting the fuel control unit
(FCU), and accomplishing any necessary corrective actions. This AD also
requires replacing certain parts if the engine acceleration check
exceeds the maximum limit, which terminates the repetitive acceleration
checks. If the limits do not exceed the maximum limit, this AD would
allow this replacement as an optional terminating action. Additionally,
this AD prohibits installing an affected engine or FCU on a helicopter
unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 13, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 13,
2026.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by February 12, 2026.
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-2025-5392; 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 the EASA 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
[[Page 60560]]
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-2025-5392.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mahmood Shah, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (817) 222-5538; 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
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-5392; Project Identifier MCAI-
2025-01494-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 Mahmood
Shah, 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 2025-0199, dated September 16, 2025
(EASA AD 2025-0199) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition on Leonardo S.p.A. Model A119 and AW119MKII
helicopters. The MCAI states that there have been reports of trapped
residue in the rear pneumatic line caused by a non-optimal cleaning
procedure during an engine shop visit.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in uncommanded fuel
flow changes, which could lead to accelerations, power rollbacks, or
instability, and consequent reduced control of the helicopter.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-5392.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2025-0199, which specifies procedures for
repetitively conducting engine acceleration checks for certain
helicopters and, depending on the results, replacing the rear pneumatic
line and inspecting the FCU pneumatic line input fitting. If there is
contamination in the FCU pneumatic line input fitting, EASA AD 2025-
0199 specifies procedures for replacing the FCU and cleaning the
forward pneumatic line. If no contamination is found in the FCU
pneumatic line input fitting, EASA AD 2025-0199 specifies procedures
for adjusting the engine acceleration and accomplishing repetitive
engine acceleration checks until the rear pneumatic line, engine, or
FCU is replaced.
Additionally, EASA AD 2025-0199 specifies that for certain
helicopters replacing the rear pneumatic line with a serviceable one is
a requirement and terminates the repetitive acceleration checks. EASA
AD 2025-0199 also specifies that several actions including replacing
certain parts and accomplishing certain checks also terminate the
repetitive acceleration checks. Finally, EASA AD 2025-0199 prohibits
installing an affected engine or FCU on a helicopter unless certain
requirements are met.
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 ADDRESSES.
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 AD
2025-0199, 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.
The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot
certificate may perform the initial acceleration checks and must enter
compliance with the applicable paragraph(s) of the AD into the
helicopter maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and
91.417(a)(2)(v). The pilot may perform these checks as they involve
only a ground check and monitoring of the engine gauges. These actions
could be performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic. This is an
exception to the FAA's standard maintenance regulations.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
The MCAI specifies to replace the affected pneumatic line with a
serviceable pneumatic line immediately if acceleration exceeds the
maximum value during the engine acceleration check and within 300 FH
[flight hours] or 24 months, whichever occurs first, for all other
helicopters. The 300-FH or 24-month compliance time would allow enough
time to provide notice and opportunity for prior public comment so this
AD allows the replacement as an optional terminating action for the
repetitive acceleration checks but does not require the replacement in
regards to paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2025-0199. The FAA is considering
further rulemaking for this replacement that would allow the public the
opportunity for prior public comment.
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
[[Page 60561]]
FAA ADs. The FAA has been coordinating this process with manufacturers
and CAAs. As a result, EASA AD 2025-0199 is incorporated by reference
in this AD. This AD requires compliance with EASA AD 2025-0199 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 2025-0199 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 2025-0199. Material required by
EASA AD 2025-0199 for compliance will be available at regulations.gov
under Docket No. FAA-2025-5392 after this AD is published.
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 rule
because residue in the rear pneumatic line if not detected and
addressed could result in uncommanded fuel flow changes resulting in
accelerations, power rollbacks, or instability. Since this condition
could already exist and result in reduced control of the helicopter at
any time without warning the initial engine acceleration check must be
accomplished within 10 hours time-in-service after the effective date
of this AD. This compliance time is shorter 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 12 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
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Engine acceleration check................. 2 work-hours x $85 per hour $0 $170 $2,040
= $170 per check.
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Estimated Costs for Optional Actions
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replace engine............... 10 work-hours x $1,301,315 $1,302,165
$85 per hour =
$850.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any repairs or
replacements that would be required based on the results of the check.
The agency has no way of determining the number of helicopters that
might need these repairs or replacements:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Costs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor Cost Parts Cost product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace FCU.................. 4 work-hours x 9,000 9,340
$85 per hour =
$340.
Clean pneumatic line and 1.5 work-hours 9,154 9,282
bulkhead coupling. x $85 per hour
= $128.
Replace rear pneumatic line.. 4 work-hours x 1,000 1,340
$85 per hour =
$340.
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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
[[Page 60562]]
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:
2025-25-13 Leonardo S.p.A.: Amendment 39-23221; Docket No. FAA-2025-
5392; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01494-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 13, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.A. Model A119 and AW119 MKII
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7100, Powerplant
System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of trapped residue in the rear
pneumatic line due to non-optimal cleaning procedures. The FAA is
issuing this AD to detect and correct a contaminated rear pneumatic
line. The unsafe condition, if not corrected, could result in
uncommanded fuel flow changes, which could lead to accelerations,
power rollbacks, or instability, and consequent reduced control of
the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
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 2025-0199,
dated September 16, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0199).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0199
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0199 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2025-0199 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where the definition of affected engines, affected FCU [fuel
control unit], affected pneumatic line, and serviceable pneumatic
line in EASA AD 2025-0199 all refer to ``the P&WC SB No. A39125R1'',
for this AD replace that text with ``the applicable original issue
of the alert service bulletin listed in the Ref. Publications
section (referencing P&WC SB No. A39125R1)''.
(4) Where paragraph (1) and paragraph (4.2) of EASA AD 2025-0199
specifies ``accomplish acceleration checks of the engine in
accordance with the instructions of the Part 1 of the ASB
(referencing Part A of the P&WC SB No. A39125R1)'', for this AD
replace that text with ``accomplish acceleration checks of the
engine''. The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private
pilot certificate may perform the checks required by paragraph (g)
of this AD and must enter compliance with these paragraphs into the
helicopter maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and
91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR
91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
(5) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2025-0199 specifies to
replace the affected pneumatic line with a serviceable pneumatic
line within 300 FH or 24 months, whichever occurs first, for this AD
that replacement is only required before further flight per
paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2025-0199. For this AD if not required by
paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2025-0199 this replacement is an optional
terminating action for the repetitive acceleration checks required
by paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2025-0199.
(6) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0199.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0199 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 Mahmood Shah,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5538; 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 2025-0199,
dated September 16, 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 December 12, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-23861 Filed 12-22-25; 11:15 am]
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