FAA Demands Repeated Wire Checks on Italian Helicopters
Published Date: 12/4/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants all Leonardo AB139 and AW139 helicopter owners to check their overhead panels for electrical cable problems that could cause safety issues. If they find damage, they’ll need to fix or replace the wires and update the panel on some helicopters. Comments on this plan are open until January 20, 2026, and these fixes might cost some time and money but keep flights safe and sound.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Mandatory overhead-panel inspections
If you own or operate a Leonardo Model AB139 or AW139 helicopter, the FAA proposes that you must repeatedly inspect the overhead panel area for cable interference and chafing and, if damage is found, repair or replace the damaged wires. This requirement follows EASA AD 2025-0094 and applies to all AB139 and AW139 helicopters certificated in any category.
Overhead-panel modification required for some
The proposed rule requires modifying the overhead panel on certain AB139 and AW139 helicopters as specified in EASA AD 2025-0094. The FAA estimates the modification takes 3 work-hours and $16 in parts, for a per-helicopter cost of $271.
Estimated compliance costs and scope
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 121 helicopters on the U.S. registry. The FAA estimates an inspection costs $170 per helicopter (2 work-hours at $85/hour) for a total of $20,570 for U.S. operators, and a panel modification costs $271 per helicopter (3 work-hours at $85/hour plus $16 parts) for a total up to $32,791 for U.S. operators. The FAA also states that repair costs for cables that cannot be repaired could vary and are not estimated.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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