Federal Register #20261515

FAA Airworthiness Directives for Leonardo AW189 Helicopter Ejector Ducts and Airbus A330 Slat Components

This notice announces new airworthiness directives (ADs) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for specific helicopter and airplane models: - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - OEMs Involved: - Leonardo S.p.a. (AW189 helicopters) - Airbus SAS (A330-841 and A330-941 airplanes) - Products/Parts Affected: - Leonardo AW189 helicopter ejector ducts: - Left-hand side: Part number 8G7810P00131 - Right-hand side: Part number 8G7810P00231 - Includes exhaust bracket reinforcements and reinforcement plates - Airbus A330-841 and A330-941 airplane sloping ribs and slat 1 inboard seals - Requirements: - Repetitive inspections of the specified ejector ducts and related reinforcements on AW189 helicopters, with mandatory replacement if cracks are found - Repetitive inspections of sloping ribs and slat 1 inboard seals on A330-841 and A330-941 airplanes, with corrective actions for any cracks - Actions are based on European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) directives - Notable Details: - The ADs address safety concerns to prevent potential loss of control due to part failure - No procurement or purchase of products or services is being solicited; this is a regulatory safety action

Description

The FAA is adopting 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 as necessary. This action addresses an unsafe condition that could lead to detachment of part of the ejector duct, potentially impacting the helicopter tailplane or tail rotor and resulting in loss of control. The AD is effective September 3, 2026.

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