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.
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