FAA Mandates Checks for Leftover Gunk in Helicopter Engines
Published Date: 12/29/2025
Rule
Summary
If you fly Leonardo A119 or AW119 MKII helicopters, listen up! The FAA found some leftover gunk in a key engine line that could cause trouble, so they’re requiring regular engine checks and part replacements if needed starting January 13, 2026. This keeps your chopper safe and sound, but be ready to act fast and maybe spend some bucks on fixes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
On-condition repair and replacement costs
If the engine acceleration check shows problems, you may need repairs that can cost thousands. The FAA lists possible on-condition costs: replace FCU about $9,340, clean pneumatic line and bulkhead coupling about $9,282, replace the rear pneumatic line about $1,340, and replacing an engine (optional terminating action) at about $1,302,165.
Limits on installing affected engines or FCUs
The AD prohibits installing an affected engine or fuel control unit (FCU) on a helicopter unless the AD's specified requirements are met. That restriction applies as part of complying with EASA AD 2025-0199 as incorporated by this FAA AD.
Mandatory engine acceleration checks
If you operate a Leonardo A119 or AW119 MKII helicopter, you must start repetitive engine acceleration checks under this AD. The AD is effective January 13, 2026, the initial check must be done within 10 hours time-in-service after that date, and the FAA estimates each check takes 2 work-hours (about $170 per check).
Pilot-performed initial checks allowed
The AD allows an owner/operator who holds at least a private pilot certificate to perform the initial engine acceleration checks and requires that compliance be recorded in maintenance records per 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). This is an explicit exception to standard FAA maintenance rules.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile 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.
2026-16803, Notice of Availability, Notice of Public Comment Period and Request for Comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) and FAA Order 1050.1G, FAA National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures, the FAA is announcing the availability of and requesting comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America (Draft EA).
2026-16795, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737 -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of nuisance stick shaker activation while accelerating to cruise speed at the top of a climb due to frozen angle of airflow (AOA) sensor vanes. This proposed AD would require installing new external case heaters (ECHs) on the left and right AOA sensors, performing repetitive functional tests and applicable corrective actions, and accomplishing applicable concurrent actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-16804, Establishment of Class E Airspace; Trading Bay Production Airport, Trading Bay, AK
This action proposes to establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Trading Bay Production Airport, Trading Bay, AK. This action would support the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23860, Safety Zone; Beltway 8 Bridge Construction, Houston Ship Channel, Houston, TX
Starting December 29, 2025, the Coast Guard is setting up a safety zone around the Beltway 8 Bridge construction site on the Houston Ship Channel to keep boats and people safe. No one can enter this area without special permission until March 1, 2030, while the new bridge is being built and old parts are removed. This means boaters need to plan ahead and follow new rules to avoid fines or delays.
Next: 2025-23880, Office of the Attorney General; Consolidation of the Office of the Executive Secretariat Into the Justice Management Division
The Department of Justice is folding the Office of the Executive Secretariat back into the Justice Management Division starting December 29, 2025. This means the separate office created in 2023 is gone, and its work will be handled by the Justice Management Division again. No big costs or delays—just a smart move to keep things simple and efficient.