# 2026-17581: FAA Warns Chopper Owners: Fix Swashplate or Stay Grounded

2026-17581, Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, is a Federal Register rule from Transportation Department, Federal Aviation Administration published 2026-08-28, effective 2026-10-02 (as of 2026-09-04).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-17581
- As of: 2026-09-04
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-17581
- Title: Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: Transportation Department; Federal Aviation Administration
- Citation: 91 FR 55449
- Published: 2026-08-28
- Effective: 2026-10-02
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: no
- Regulation identifier numbers: 2120-AA64
- Last updated: 2026-09-04

## In one line

FAA Warns Chopper Owners: Fix Swashplate or Stay Grounded

## Summary

If you own or fly Leonardo helicopters like the A109 or AW119, listen up! The FAA found a problem with a key part called the swashplate bearing that might be installed wrong. Starting October 2, 2026, you’ll need to check this part once and fix it if needed to keep flying safe—no sneaky installs allowed. This keeps your chopper safe without breaking the bank or your schedule.

## Abstract

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.A. Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, A109K2, A109E, A119, and AW119 MKII helicopters; and certain Model A109S and AW109SP helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of an incorrectly installed swashplate duplex bearing (bearing). This AD requires a one- time inspection of the bearing and depending on the result, corrective action. This AD also prohibits the installation of an affected bearing unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

## Effects PRIA read

- One-time swashplate bearing inspection: cost, low. If you operate one of the listed Leonardo helicopter models, you must perform a one-time visual inspection of the swashplate duplex bearing as required by the AD that is effective October 2, 2026. The FAA estimates the inspection takes 4 work-hours at $85 per hour (a $340 cost per helicopter) and t…
- Limits on installing affected bearings: cost, low. The AD prohibits installing the affected swashplate duplex bearing unless the part is new (never previously installed) or has passed the required inspection method referenced in the incorporated EASA material; this prohibition is effective October 2, 2026. If an inspection shows improper installati…

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## Sources
- [2026-17581 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/28/2026-17581/airworthiness-directives-leonardo-spa-helicopters)
- [2026-17581 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-08-28/pdf/2026-17581.pdf)

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- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-17581 (as of 2026-09-04).