FAA Wants Helicopter Owners to Double-Check That Swashplate Bearing
Published Date: 5/28/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own certain Leonardo helicopters, the FAA wants you to check a special bearing called the swashplate duplex bearing to make sure it’s installed right. If it’s not, you’ll need to fix it, and you can’t put in a new one unless it meets safety rules. Comments on this plan are open until July 13, 2026, and this quick check helps keep your helicopter flying safe without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Installation of affected bearing prohibited
The proposed AD would prohibit installing the affected swashplate duplex bearing unless the part is new (never previously installed) or has passed an inspection using the material specified in EASA AD 2025-0148. That restriction limits maintenance and replacement options for operators of the listed Leonardo models.
Repairs must be FAA/EASA/DOA approved
If the inspection finds improper installation, the proposed AD requires corrective action and that any repair be done using a method approved by the FAA, EASA, or Leonardo S.p.A. EASA Design Organization Approval before further flight. The FAA notes repair costs and the number of helicopters needing repair are unknown, and some costs may be covered by warranty.
One‑time bearing inspection required
If you operate one of the listed Leonardo helicopter models, the FAA would require a one-time visual inspection of the swashplate duplex bearing to check proper installation. The FAA estimates this inspection takes 4 work-hours at $85/hour ($340 per helicopter), affecting 227 U.S.-registered helicopters for a total estimated cost of $77,180.
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