FAA Cracks Down on Helicopter Safety Checks Again
Published Date: 5/13/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating safety rules for certain Leonardo helicopters, adding more models to the list and requiring regular checks for cracks in a key part. Pilots must keep inspecting until they install a new fix that stops the problem for good. These changes start June 17, 2026, and help keep everyone flying safe without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory Inspections Until Fix Installed
If you operate affected Leonardo helicopters (Model A109E and A109S), you must perform repetitive inspections of the intersection of the lateral pylon and floor spar at station (STA) 1815 for cracking until you install the required modification that stops the problem. The rule takes effect June 17, 2026, and the modification is described in EASA AD 2024-0004 and is terminating action for the repetitive inspections.
Estimated Inspection and Modification Costs
The FAA estimates an annual inspection cost of $1,394 per helicopter (about $510 per inspection cycle) until modification, or a one-time modification cost of $25,860 per helicopter ($12,930 per fuselage side). The FAA estimates the AD affects 81 U.S.-registered helicopters, with an aggregate annual inspection cost of $112,914 and an aggregate one-time modification cost of $2,094,660.
FAA RFA Finding on Small Entities
The FAA certified under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this AD will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The FAA estimates 39 entities affected, of which 28 are small entities (72%).
Special Flight Permits Prohibited
Special flight permits to operate affected helicopters under this AD are prohibited. Operators cannot rely on special flight permits to ferry helicopters for compliance or other purposes under this directive.
Manufacturer Warranty May Reduce Costs
The FAA notes that some costs of inspections or the one-time modification may be covered under warranty by the manufacturer, which could reduce the financial impact on affected operators. The FAA did not quantify warranty coverage.
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: 2026-09502 — Domestic Dates Produced or Packed in Riverside County, California; Decreased Assessment Rate
Starting June 12, 2026, date growers and packers in Riverside County, California, will pay less in fees—dropping from 15 cents to 5 cents per hundredweight. This change helps local date producers save money while keeping the marketing program running smoothly. The new lower rate will stay in place until any future updates are made.
Next: 2026-09520 — Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters
If you own a Leonardo AB139 or AW139 helicopter, listen up! The FAA found some life raft inflation systems got damaged during shipping, which could be unsafe. Starting June 17, 2026, you must replace these parts and can’t install the old ones anymore—keeping your flights safe without breaking the bank.