FAA Mandates Float Replacements on Leonardo Helicopters
Published Date: 11/20/2025
Rule
Summary
If you own or work with Leonardo AW169 helicopters, listen up! The FAA is updating safety rules that require replacing certain float parts within 24 months or during your next scheduled maintenance. This keeps the helicopters safe and flying smoothly, with no surprise costs announced yet—just a smart move to avoid bigger problems later.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory float replacement schedule
If you operate a Leonardo AW169 helicopter, you must replace certain forward and aft float assemblies within 24 months or during the next accomplishment of maintenance task 95-24 or 95-25. This requirement is part of the FAA airworthiness directive effective December 26, 2025, and applies to all AW169 helicopters certificated in any category.
Estimated replacement cost per helicopter
The FAA estimates replacement takes 2 work‑hours per affected float and parts cost up to $38,000 for an aft float with life raft and up to $19,000 for a forward float. The agency estimates up to $114,170 per helicopter (covering up to two aft and up to two forward assemblies) and a total U.S. fleet cost of $2,625,910 for 23 affected helicopters. Labor is estimated at $85 per hour.
Prohibition on installing affected float assemblies
The AD incorporates the EASA requirement that prohibits installing an affected forward or aft float assembly on a helicopter. Operators may not reinstall or install these affected assemblies as part of maintenance.
Lower‑cost compliance alternative: EFS deactivation
As an alternative to replacement, deactivating the emergency flotation system (EFS) is an allowed compliance action. The FAA estimates deactivation takes about 1 work‑hour (at $85/hour), with an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $1,955 for the U.S. fleet of 23 helicopters.
No requirement to return removed floats
The FAA AD does not require operators to send removed float assemblies to Leonardo, even though the referenced EASA AD's service information specifies sending removed floats to the manufacturer. This AD also does not adopt the EASA 'Remarks' section and does not require reporting to the manufacturer.
Possible warranty coverage may reduce operator costs
The FAA notes the manufacturer has stated some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, which could reduce the out-of-pocket cost for affected operators.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13440 — Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-13472 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Jewett, TX
Starting October 29, 2026, the FAA is creating new Class E airspace around Hub Field in Jewett, Texas, to help pilots use new instrument flight procedures safely. This change mainly affects pilots flying in and out of Jewett, making flying safer and smoother without extra costs or delays. So, if you’re a pilot or involved in local aviation, get ready for clearer skies and better guidance!
2026-13475 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA is making sure certain Boeing 787 airplanes stay safe by fixing door handles that have been coming loose during pre-flight checks. Starting August 6, 2026, airlines must install new parts and do inspections to keep these doors secure. This update helps prevent safety issues without causing big delays or costs.
2026-13477 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of a Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration
The FAA is asking for your thoughts on renewing a form that tracks important airplane maintenance and repairs to keep flying safe. This affects aircraft owners and mechanics who fill out Form 337 after major fixes or changes, which takes about an hour each. Comments are open until August 3, 2026, and this process helps ensure safety without adding extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20449 — Air Plan Approval; South Carolina; Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill Area Maintenance Plan for the 2008 8-Hour Ozone NAAQS
The EPA just gave a thumbs-up to South Carolina’s plan to keep the air clean in the Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill area through 2036. This plan focuses on controlling pollution from cars and trucks in York County to meet ozone standards. The new rules kick in December 22, 2025, helping protect health without extra costs for the community.
Next: 2025-20455 — Agricultural Disaster Indemnity Programs; Approval of Information Collection Request
Farmers and ranchers hit by disasters will get help faster thanks to new approved forms and info rules. The USDA just got the green light to collect the info they need to pay out disaster aid smoothly through October 2027. This means quicker payments and clearer paperwork for those who grow our food when tough times strike.