Federal Register #2026-14108

FAA Proposed Airworthiness Directive for Leonardo S.p.a. AB139 and AW139 Helicopters

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, is proposing a new airworthiness directive for Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters modified by FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (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, placards, and flight manual supplements) - Products/Services Requested: - Installation of Aerolite placards on primary stretcher units - Placard part numbers: 0800312690001 (Group 1), 015390001 (Group 2) - Revision of the rotorcraft flight manual by incorporating Aerolite FMS07008 Flight Manual Supplement (for 3-Stretcher Kit P/N 139084501) - Notable Requirements: - Applies to helicopters with specific 3-stretcher unit assembly serial numbers - Compliance with Aerolite Service Bulletins SB21017 Rev D and ASB21006 - Addresses a design deficiency in the stretcher unit to prevent failure during emergency landings - No purchase quantities specified; this is a regulatory compliance action for affected operators, not a procurement of goods

Description

The FAA proposes to supersede AD 2021-12-10 for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. The proposed AD involves installing a placard depending on the configuration of the primary stretcher unit and revising the rotorcraft flight manual. The applicability is limited to helicopters modified by FAA STC SR04384NY. Comments are due by August 28, 2026.

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