FAA Mandates Float Part Replacements for Leonardo Helicopters
Published Date: 7/1/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly a Leonardo AW169 helicopter, the FAA wants you to replace some float parts to keep things safe. They’re updating rules to include more parts that need swapping out within 24 months or at your next maintenance check. This helps prevent accidents and keeps your helicopter ready to float if needed, with no surprise costs right away but a clear deadline to follow.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Replace additional float assemblies
If you operate a Leonardo AW169 helicopter, the FAA proposes you must replace additional forward and aft float assemblies within 24 months or at the next accomplishment of a maintenance task to address an unsafe condition. This requirement would be added to and retain the actions in AD 2024-09-02.
Retains EFS deactivation alternative
The proposed AD retains the prior AD's alternative that, for certain aft float assemblies, allows deactivating the emergency flotation system (EFS) instead of replacing parts. Operators would still have that alternative from AD 2024-09-02.
Keeps installation prohibition on floats
The proposed AD retains the existing prohibition on installing certain forward and aft float assemblies on Leonardo AW169 helicopters that was in AD 2024-09-02. You would not be allowed to install the specific prohibited float assemblies listed in that AD.
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