# Federal Register #FAA-2026-11788

FAA proposes airworthiness directives for Leonardo AW189 and Airbus EC135 helicopters requiring safety inspections

**Buyer:** Federal Aviation Administration
**Posted:** September 29, 2026
**Respond By:** November 13, 2026
**Identifier:** FAA-2026-11788
**NAICS:** 488190

This opportunity involves proposed airworthiness directives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the Department of Transportation, targeting safety inspections for specific helicopter models.
- Government Buyer:
  - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service, Compliance & Airworthiness Division
- OEMs Highlighted:
  - Leonardo S.p.a. (manufacturer of AW189 helicopters)
  - Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (manufacturer of EC135 helicopters)
- Products/Services Requested:
  - Inspection and corrective action for Leonardo AW189 helicopters:
    - Inspect life raft bottle assembly (left-hand and right-hand sides)
    - Remove safety pin from cylinder valve if found
    - Prohibit extended overwater flights until corrective actions are completed
  - Inspection for Airbus EC135 helicopters:
    - Inspect tail rotor control system components (ball pivot and control rod)
    - Perform repetitive checks to detect damage and prevent loss of tail rotor controls
- Notable Requirements:
  - No procurement of new products; focus is on inspection and corrective action
  - Compliance required within specified times after directive issuance
  - Reference to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ADs for both helicopter models
  - Extended overwater flights prohibited for AW189 until corrective actions are completed
  - FAA seeks public comments on the proposed directives
- No specific part numbers or purchase quantities provided; actions are maintenance and safety inspections

### Description

The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters due to reports that the safety pin of the emergency flotation system and life raft was installed on the cylinder valve of the life raft bottle assembly. The AD requires inspecting both sides of the life raft bottle assembly and removing the safety pin if found. It also prohibits extended overwater flights until corrective actions are completed to address the unsafe condition that could prevent life raft inflation during an emergency water landing.

[View original listing](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/29/2026-19892/airworthiness-directives-leonardo-spa-helicopters)