FAA Corrects Minor Errors in Leonardo Helicopter Safety Directive
Published Date: 2/26/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA fixed a small mistake in a rule about Leonardo helicopters (models AB139, AW139, and AW189). This correction clears up some confusing references but doesn’t change the original safety rules. Owners and operators should note the March 12, 2026 deadline to send comments, but no new costs or changes to the timeline are introduced.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory Inspections for Leonardo Helicopters
If you operate a Leonardo Model AB139, AW139, or AW189 helicopter, the FAA proposes repetitive inspections of the left‑hand and right‑hand tube assemblies (AB139/AW139) and pedal shaft assemblies (AW189) and corrective actions as specified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0163, dated July 30, 2025. The proposed AD would also prohibit installing affected parts unless certain requirements are met, and it applies to those models certificated in any category.
FAA Removes Manufacturer Reporting Requirement
EASA AD 2025-0163 asks operators to submit certain information to the manufacturer, but this FAA proposed AD explicitly does not include that reporting requirement. That means operators are not required by this FAA AD to send the specified information to the manufacturer.
Pilot May Insert Appendix into Flight Manual
An owner/operator who is a pilot holding at least a private pilot certificate may revise the existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) by inserting Appendix 1 of EASA AD 2025-0163, and must enter compliance into the helicopter maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The maintenance records must be kept as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
Correction Changes Citation, Not Requirements
This document corrects incorrect references in the earlier NPRM so that the regulatory text refers to EASA AD 2025-0163 (dated July 30, 2025) instead of the incorrect identifier. The FAA states the correction does not change the original safety rules, and it does not introduce any new costs or change the timeline; the comment due date remains March 12, 2026.
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
2026-08943 — 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.
2026-10047 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA wants all Airbus A330-841 and A330-941 airplanes to get regular checks for cracks on certain wing parts to keep flights safe. If cracks are found, fixes must be done right away. Comments on this plan are open until July 6, 2026, and these inspections might cost airlines some time and money but will help prevent bigger problems.
2026-10076 — Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines
The FAA wants to make sure Rolls-Royce Trent7000-72 and Trent7000-72C engines stay safe by stopping certain lubrication pumps from being installed unless they meet new rules. This comes after some engines shut down mid-flight because parts failed too soon. If you own or work with these engines, you’ll need to follow these new rules soon, but no big costs are expected.
2026-09953 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Experimental Aircraft: Letters of Deviation Authority (LODA)
The FAA is renewing its approval to collect info from pilots who want special permission to give paid flight lessons in experimental aircraft. This helps make sure these lessons are safe. If you’re involved, you can comment by June 18, 2026, and there’s no new cost—just the usual paperwork.
2026-09972 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Mitsubishi MU-2B Series Airplane Training Requirements
The FAA is renewing its paperwork rules for pilots flying the Mitsubishi MU-2B airplane to make sure they get special training and follow safety steps. This affects MU-2B pilots who must keep records proving they completed the required training. Comments on this plan are open until June 18, 2026, and the goal is to keep flying safer without adding extra hassle or costs.
2026-09971 — Notice of Draft FAA Order 5100-38E, Airport Improvement Program Handbook
The FAA is updating its Airport Improvement Program Handbook to reflect new laws and policies since 2017. This affects airports, states, and contractors who rely on federal funding for airport projects. You can review the draft and share your thoughts by August 17, 2026, so the FAA can finalize the new guide and keep airport funding running smoothly.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03866 — Worker Safety and Health Requirements To Support Reform of Nuclear Reactor Testing; Reopening of Public Comment Period
The Department of Energy is updating safety rules to speed up testing and approval of new nuclear reactors, making sure workers stay safe. They’re reopening the public comment period until March 23, 2026, after a request from a big labor group. This affects workers, companies testing reactors, and anyone interested in nuclear energy progress, with no immediate cost changes but faster reactor development.
Next: 2026-03874 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
If you own an Airbus H160-B helicopter with a special window upgrade, the FAA wants you to check and fix some parts on the jettisonable windows because they might not work right. You’ll need to remove windows, inspect and replace parts if needed, and keep lubricating and testing the system regularly. Comments are open until April 13, 2026, and these fixes could cost time and money but keep everyone safe and flying smoothly.