Fancy Helicopters Get Duct-Tape Inspection Mandate from FAA
Published Date: 7/30/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking on the ejector ducts. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the left-hand (LH) side and right-hand (RH) side ejector ducts, including the exhaust bracket reinforcements and reinforcement plates, and, depending on the results, replacing any affected ejector duct. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory Inspections and Replacements
If you operate a Leonardo Model AW189 helicopter, you must repetitively inspect the left-hand and right-hand ejector ducts (P/N 8G7810P00131 and P/N 8G7810P00231), including the exhaust bracket reinforcements and reinforcement plates, as required by EASA AD 2025-0064, beginning under this FAA AD effective September 3, 2026. If cracks are found, you must replace the affected ejector duct per the AD's procedures.
Replacement Parts Cost If Needed
If an ejector duct must be replaced, the FAA estimates the on-condition cost is 2 work-hours at $85 per hour plus parts costing $32,007, for a total of $32,177 per replaced ejector duct. The FAA states it cannot predict how many helicopters will need such replacements.
Estimated Inspection Cost Per Aircraft
The FAA estimates each visual inspection of an ejector duct will take 2 work-hours at $85 per hour, costing $170 per inspection and $680 total for the four U.S.-registered AW189 helicopters the FAA estimates are affected. The AD also notes the FAA cannot predict how many helicopters will require replacement after inspection.
Shorter Deadlines for Specific Serial Numbers
Helicopters with manufacturer serial numbers 49018, 49019, 49025, or 49028 are subject to shorter compliance times due to a higher likelihood of cracking, per the MCAI referenced in the AD. Owners/operators of those serial-numbered AW189s must follow the shorter compliance times specified.
No FAA Reporting or Parts Return Required
Although EASA AD 2025-0064 would require reporting inspection results or returning parts, the FAA AD explicitly does not require reporting or returning parts. This removes those reporting/returns obligations for U.S. operators under this AD.
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