Opportunity
Federal Register #2026-10170
FAA Airworthiness Directive for Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopter Brake Pedal Assemblies
Buyer
Federal Aviation Administration
Posted
May 21, 2026
Identifier
2026-10170
NAICS
336411, 488190
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Leonardo S.p.a. helicopters to address safety concerns: - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch - OEM Highlight: - Leonardo S.p.a. is the sole OEM affected by this directive - Products/Services Requested: - Repetitive inspections of left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) tube assemblies on brake pedal assemblies for Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters - Repetitive inspections of LH and RH pedal shaft assemblies for Model AW189 helicopters - Replacement of affected tube or shaft assemblies if cracks are found - Installation of placards as an alternative corrective action for the copilot pedal assembly set - Revision of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) limitations section as required - Notable Requirements: - Prohibits installation of certain parts unless specific inspection and corrective actions are completed - References and incorporates procedures from EASA AD 2025-0163 - Applies to 153 U.S.-registered helicopters - Aims to prevent structural failure of the brake pedal assembly and ensure safe yaw control - Locations: - FAA Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, Fort Worth, TX - FAA Office, Westbury, NY - U.S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations, Washington, DC
Description
The FAA is issuing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139, AW139, and AW189 helicopters due to reported cracks on the left-hand and right-hand tube assemblies installed on the brake pedal assemblies. The AD requires repetitive inspections of these assemblies and corrective actions depending on inspection results. It also prohibits installing certain parts unless specific requirements are met. The directive aims to prevent structural failure of the brake pedal assembly and ensure safe helicopter control around the yaw axis.