FAA Mandates Checks on Leonardo Helicopter Rotor Blades
Published Date: 4/18/2025
Rule
Summary
If you fly a Leonardo A109 or AW109SP helicopter, listen up! The FAA found some main rotor blades might have problems, so they’re making pilots check these blades regularly and replace any that aren’t safe. You can’t put the bad blades back on, and these rules kick in soon to keep everyone flying safe without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory rotor‑blade inspections
If you own or operate a Leonardo Model A109C, A109E, A109S, or AW109SP helicopter, the FAA now requires repetitive tap inspections of certain main rotor blades (MRBs). You must inspect those MRBs on a recurring basis and replace any MRB that is found to be unsafe.
Prohibition on installing affected blades
The AD prohibits installing the specified affected main rotor blades and incorporates by reference the related European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD. You cannot reinstall those MRBs on any Leonardo A109C, A109E, A109S, or AW109SP helicopter as specified in the directive.
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