Federal Register #FAA20263869

FAA Airworthiness Directive Proposal for Leonardo AW189 Helicopter Ejector Duct Inspections

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters to address safety concerns related to ejector duct cracking. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch - OEMs and Vendors: - Leonardo S.p.a. (OEM for AW189 helicopters and ejector ducts) - Products/Services Requested: - Repetitive inspection of left-hand (P/N 8G7810P00131) and right-hand (P/N 8G7810P00231) ejector ducts, including exhaust bracket reinforcements and reinforcement plates - Replacement of any affected ejector duct found during inspection - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Compliance with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0064 - Addresses unsafe condition that could lead to detachment of ejector duct, potentially impacting tailplane or tail rotor and causing loss of control - No specific purchase quantities or direct procurement; this is a regulatory maintenance and compliance requirement for operators of existing aircraft - Place of Performance/Delivery: - FAA Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177 - FAA Aviation Safety Engineer Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590 - FAA Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA

Description

The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters due to reports of cracking on the ejector ducts. The AD requires repetitive inspections of the left-hand and right-hand ejector ducts, including exhaust bracket reinforcements and reinforcement plates, and replacement of any affected ejector duct. This action aims to address an unsafe condition that could lead to detachment of part of the ejector duct, potentially impacting the helicopter tailplane or tail rotor and causing loss of control. Comments on the proposed rule must be received by June 15, 2026.

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