AD 2026-01049
Published 2026-01-21 · 1 model · 1 US-registered tails affected · Federal Register
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters Federal Register ↗
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.A. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of a damaged spare inflation system of a certain life raft kit due to the inappropriate shipment of the parts. This proposed AD would require replacing certain life raft inflation systems and would prohibit the installation of an affected life raft inflation system on any helicopter. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Applicability · by US fleet size
- LEONARDO S P A AB139 1 tails
Federal Register text
Verbatim; the Federal Register publication is the legally binding document. Cite: 91 FR 2504. View on Federal Register ↗
[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 13 (Wednesday, January 21, 2026)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 2504-2506] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2026-01049]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-0017; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00681-R] RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.A. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of a damaged spare inflation system of a certain life raft kit due to the inappropriate shipment of the parts. This proposed AD would require replacing certain life raft inflation systems and would prohibit the installation of an affected life raft inflation system on any helicopter. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by March 9, 2026.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Fax: (202) 493-2251. Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2026-0017; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Material Incorporated by Reference: For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material identified in this proposed AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: [email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N- 321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Enns, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946-4147; email: [email protected].