FAA就莱昂纳多AW169直升机发布适航指令修订提案：仅更正旧版引用文件错误，全美18架合规成本合计1,530美元

[4910-13-P]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-11808; Project Identifier AD-2026-00520-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-0506, which applies to all Leonardo S.p.a Model AW169 helicopters. AD 2024-05-06
requires revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing helicopter
maintenance manual (MM) or instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) and the
existing approved maintenance or inspection program for the helicopter. Since the FAA
issued AD 2024-05-06, it was determined that incorrect material was referenced to revise
the ALS. This proposed AD would require revising the ALS of the existing MM or ICA
and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program. The FAA is proposing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by [INSERT DATE 45
DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER].
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43
and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for
submitting comments.
• Fax: (202) 493-2251.

• Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA2026-11808; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, any
comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is
listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
• For Leonardo S.p.a. material identified in this proposed AD, contact Emanuele
Bufano, Head of Airworthiness, Viale G. Agusta 520, 21017 C. Costa di Samarate (Va)
Italy; phone: +39 0331-225074; fax: +39 0331-229046; or at:
customerportal.leonardocompany.com/en-US/.
• You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anthony Kenward, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817)
222-4130; email: anthony.b.kenward@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposal. Send your comments using a method listed under ADDRESSES. Include
“Docket No. FAA-2026-11808; Project Identifier AD-2026-00520-R” at the beginning of

your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal,
explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may revise this proposal
because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following
paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all
comments received, without change, to regulations.gov, including any personal
information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually
treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C.
552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is
important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI as “PROPIN.” The FAA will treat such marked
submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Anthony Kenward,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590.
Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will
be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA issued AD 2024-05-06, Amendment 39-22697 (89 FR 24682, April 9,
2024) (AD 2024-05-06), for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters. AD 2024-0506 was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness

limitations are necessary. AD 2024-05-06 requires revising the ALS of the existing
helicopter maintenance manual or ICA and the existing approved maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable. The FAA issued AD 2024-05-06 to address fatigue
cracking, damage, and corrosion in principal structural elements.
Actions Since AD 2024-05-06 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2024-05-06, the FAA determined that incorrect
material was referenced for revising the ALS in AD 2024-05-06. Furthermore, the
material that was referenced in AD 2024-05-06 was not FAA-approved. As a result, the
FAA determined that an appropriate FAA-approved ALS document is needed to address
the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would reference the correct document.
FAA’s Determination
The products have been approved by the civil aviation authority of another
country and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's
bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, that authority has notified the
FAA of the unsafe condition described in the material referenced above. The FAA is
issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Leonardo AW169 # AMPI Chapter 4 Issue 6, Document No.
169F0255A075, Issue A, dated October 17, 2025, which specifies procedures for revising
the airworthiness limitations, tasks, and associated thresholds and intervals for various
parts, and specifies new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations for certain
components installed on the helicopter.
This material is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to
it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES
section.

Proposed AD Requirements in this NPRM
This proposed AD would require revising the ALS of the existing helicopter
maintenance manual or ICA and the existing approved maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 18
helicopters of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated costs
Action

Labor Cost

Parts Cost

Revise the
ALS

1 work-hour x
$85 per hour =
$85

$0

Cost per
product
$85

Cost on U.S.
operators
$1,530

Authority for this Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on
aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator.
Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. Under that section, Congress
charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by
prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products
identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the
various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a
substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA
proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by:
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2024-05-06, Amendment 39-22697 (89 FR
24682, April 9, 2024); and
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
Leonardo S.p.a.: Docket No. FAA-2026-11808; Project Identifier AD-2026-00520-R.

(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by
[INSERT DATE 45 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL
REGISTER].
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2024-05-06, Amendment 39-22697 (89 FR 24682, April 9,
2024).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters, certificated in
any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance
Checks.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the determination that new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue
cracking, damage, and corrosion in principal structural elements. The unsafe condition, if
not addressed, could result in failure of a part and loss of control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
(g) Required Action
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the airworthiness
limitations section of the existing maintenance manual or instructions for continued
airworthiness and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, by incorporating into maintenance records required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)
or 135.439(a)(2), the requirements (airworthiness limitations) specified in Leonardo

AW169 # AMPI Chapter 4 Issue 6, Document No. 169F0255A075, Issue A, dated
October 17, 2025.
(h) Provisions or Alternative Requirements (Airworthiness Limitations)
After the action required by paragraph (g) of this AD has been accomplished, no
alternative actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including any life limits, are
allowed unless they are approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA;
or European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Leonardo S.p.a. EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA) for repair instructions and accomplishing those
instructions. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized
signature.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs):
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the
manager of the International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and email to AMOC@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards
district office /certificate holding district office.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Anthony Kenward, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817)

222-4130; email: anthony.b.kenward@faa.gov.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference
of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD,
unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Leonardo AW169 # AMPI Chapter 4 Issue 6, Document No. 169F0225A075,
Issue A, dated October 17, 2025.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Leonardo S.p.a. material identified in this AD, contact Emanuele Bufano,
Head of Airworthiness, Viale G. Agusta 520, 21017 C. Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy;
phone: +39 0331-225074; fax: +39 0331-229046; or at:
customerportal.leonardocompany.com/en-US/.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA,
visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email
fr.inspection@nara.gov.
Issued on October 9, 2026.

Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-21012 Filed: 10/13/2026 8:45 am; Publication Date: 10/14/2026]