[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:
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 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
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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.
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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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