Leonardo Choppers Get Fire Check Mandate: Inspect and Report Now
Published Date: 9/24/2025
Rule
Summary
If you own a Leonardo AW189 helicopter, listen up! The FAA found a fire risk in the engine’s anti-icing system and now requires you to inspect electrical parts, check straps, and report what you find. You can’t install certain controllers until you fix any issues, so act fast to keep your chopper safe and flying smoothly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory inspections for AW189 engines
If you own or operate a Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW189 helicopter, the FAA now requires you to inspect and measure the resistance of the air intake electrical connectors and inspect the bonding strap because of a reported fire risk. Depending on what those inspections show, you must perform corrective actions.
Controller installation blocked until fixes
The AD prohibits installing an air intake controller on a Leonardo AW189 helicopter unless the required inspections and any mandated corrective actions have been accomplished. You cannot install those controllers until the unsafe condition has been addressed as required by the AD.
You must report inspection results
The AD requires that you report the results of the inspections of the air intake electrical connectors and bonding strap to the FAA. This reporting obligation applies to all Leonardo AW189 helicopters covered by the directive.
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