Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a Helicopters
Published Date: 7/14/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly Leonardo AB139 or AW139 helicopters with a special stretcher, the FAA wants you to update your helicopter’s manual and put up new safety stickers. This is because the stretcher got a cool upgrade to make it stronger and safer. You’ve got until August 28, 2026, to share your thoughts, and these changes might cost a bit but keep everyone safer in the air!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Helicopter owners must add placards and update manual
If you operate a Leonardo Model AB139 or AW139 helicopter modified by FAA STC SR04384NY, the FAA would require you to install a specific placard on the primary stretcher and insert a flight manual supplement. For most helicopters the placard with part number 080-0312690-001 must be installed within 30 hours time-in-service (TIS), Group 2 helicopters may instead need placard P/N 015390-001 within 25 hours TIS if not modified, and the rotorcraft flight manual must be revised within 30 days by inserting Aerolite FMS-07-008 Revision B dated March 27, 2023.
Estimated compliance costs for affected fleet
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 11 U.S.-registered helicopters. The agency estimates installing the placard costs $135 per helicopter (1 work-hour at $85 plus $50 parts) and revising the rotorcraft flight manual costs $85 per helicopter (1 work-hour), for total estimated costs on U.S. operators of $1,485 for placards and $935 for the manual revision.
AD aims to prevent stretcher failure and injuries
The FAA says a design deficiency in the primary stretcher unit could lead to failure during an emergency landing and injure helicopter occupants, so this proposed AD requires placards and manual changes to limit weight or prevent (re)installation of affected stretchers. The rule is intended to address that unsafe condition and improve occupant safety.
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Key Dates
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