FAA Proposes Regular Crack Inspections for Leonardo Helicopter Ducts
Published Date: 4/29/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own or operate a Leonardo AW189 helicopter, listen up! The FAA wants you to regularly check the left and right ejector ducts for cracks and replace any damaged parts to keep flying safe. Comments on this new rule are open until June 15, 2026, so get ready to act soon and keep your helicopter in top shape without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory AW189 Ejector-Duct Inspections
If you own or operate a Leonardo AW189 helicopter, the FAA proposes a new rule that would require repetitive inspections of the left-hand and right-hand ejector ducts (P/N 8G7810P00131 and P/N 8G7810P00231), including the exhaust bracket reinforcements and reinforcement plates, and replacement of any affected ejector duct as needed. The proposed rule would require operators to comply with the actions in EASA AD 2025-0064 (dated March 25, 2025) and comments are due by June 15, 2026.
High On-Condition Replacement Cost
If an inspection finds damage, replacing an ejector duct is estimated to cost $32,177 per replacement (2 work-hours at $85/hr = $170 labor, plus $32,007 parts). The FAA did not estimate how many helicopters will need replacements.
Estimated Inspection Labor Cost
The FAA estimates each visual inspection of an ejector duct (including bracket reinforcements and plates) takes 2 work-hours at $85 per hour, or $170 per inspection. The FAA estimates the proposed AD would affect four U.S.-registered AW189 helicopters, giving a combined FAA-estimated cost of $680 per inspection across U.S. operators.
Certain Serial Numbers Face Shorter Deadlines
Helicopters with manufacturer serial numbers 49018, 49019, 49025, or 49028 are subject to shorter compliance times under the EASA analysis and therefore would be required to inspect sooner than other AW189s. This distinction is explicitly stated in the MCAI incorporated by reference.
No FAA Reporting or Parts Return Requirement
Although EASA AD 2025-0064 would have operators report inspection results or return parts, the FAA's proposed AD explicitly does not require reporting inspection results to the manufacturer or returning parts. This reduces paperwork or return logistics for U.S. operators if the FAA AD is adopted as proposed.
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