Federal Register #FAA-2026-7212

FAA Proposed Airworthiness Directive for Leonardo AB139/AW139 Helicopters – Stretcher Unit Placard and Manual Revision

This opportunity concerns a proposed FAA airworthiness directive for Leonardo S.p.a. AB139 and AW139 helicopters modified by FAA STC SR04384NY. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - OEMs and Vendors: - Leonardo S.p.a. (helicopter manufacturer) - Aerolite AG (manufacturer of stretcher units and related components) - Products/Services Requested: - Installation of Aerolite placards on the primary stretcher unit - Placard P/N 0800312690001 (for Group 1 helicopters) - Placard P/N 015390001 (for Group 2 helicopters) - 3-Stretcher Kit P/N 139084501 (existing installation affected) - Revision of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) to incorporate Aerolite FMS07008 Flight Manual Supplement for the 3-Stretcher Kit - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Compliance with Aerolite Service Bulletin SB21017, Revision D, and Aerolite Alert Service Bulletin ASB21006 - Addresses a structural deficiency in the primary stretcher unit to prevent failure during emergency landings - Estimated 11 helicopters in the U.S. registry are affected - Compliance deadlines: placard installation within 25-30 hours time-in-service; RFM revision within 30 days of directive's effective date

Description

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-12-10, which applies to certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. The proposed AD requires installing a placard on the primary stretcher unit depending on its configuration and revising the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM). It also revises applicability to only include helicopters modified by FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SR04384NY. This action addresses an unsafe condition related to the structural properties of the primary stretcher unit to prevent failure during emergency landings.

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