FAA Mandates Crack Checks on Helicopter Brakes and Pedals for Safety
Published Date: 1/26/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own or operate Leonardo AB139, AW139, or AW189 helicopters, listen up! The FAA wants you to regularly check certain brake and pedal parts for cracks to keep flying safe. You’ll need to act fast once this rule is final, and skipping inspections or installing the wrong parts won’t fly—so get ready to keep those helicopters in top shape without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory repetitive brake/pedal inspections
If you own or operate Leonardo Model AB139, AW139, or AW189 helicopters, the FAA would require repetitive inspections of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) tube assemblies (AB139/AW139) or pedal shaft assemblies (AW189) and corrective actions as specified in EASA AD 2025-0163, dated July 30, 2025. These inspections are intended to detect cracks that could lead to structural failure of the pedal assembly and reduced control around the yaw axis.
Estimated inspection and repair costs
The FAA estimates the inspection will take 2 work-hours at $85/hour, costing $170 per helicopter and affecting 153 U.S.-registered helicopters for a total estimated inspection cost of $26,010. If replacements are required, the FAA estimates an on-condition replacement cost of $3,466 per assembly, plus other on-condition actions like manufacturing/installing a placard for $85 and revising the rotorcraft flight manual for $85.
Parts installation restrictions
The proposed AD would prohibit installing certain affected LH/RH tube or pedal shaft parts on AB139, AW139, and AW189 helicopters unless the installation meets the requirements specified in EASA AD 2025-0163. That means operators and maintenance personnel cannot place those parts back into service unless they satisfy the AD's serviceability or other required conditions.
Pilot allowed to revise flight manual
The proposed AD explicitly permits an owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate to revise the existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) by inserting Appendix 1 of EASA AD 2025-0163 and to enter compliance into the helicopter maintenance records under 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The FAA notes this RFM revision may be performed by either a pilot or a mechanic.
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