SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 29, 2026 (91 FR 23031). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2025-0064, dated March 25, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0064) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. The MCAI states that there have been reports of cracking on ejector duct part number (P/N) 8G7810P00131 (LH side) and P/N 8G7810P00231 (RH side) of the rear sliding cowling, where the engine exhaust ducts are installed. The MCAI also states that investigation of the cracks, which developed around the engine exhaust duct boundary reinforcement plate, is ongoing to identify the root cause of the occurrences, and the inspection area needs to be extended to the area of the exhaust bracket reinforcements.

Additionally, the MCAI states that, due to reasons still under investigation, any Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopter having manufacturer serial number 49018, 49019, 49025, or 49028 is subject to shorter compliance times due to higher likelihood of cracking. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to detachment of a part of the ejector duct, which could impact the helicopter tailplane or the tail rotor with consequent loss of control of the helicopter.

In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitively inspecting the LH side and RH side ejector ducts, including the exhaust bracket reinforcements and reinforcement plates, and, depending on the results, replacing any affected ejector duct. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the costs. ( printed page 47937)

Conclusion

These 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 MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2025-0064, which specifies procedures for repetitively inspecting the LH and RH ejector ducts P/N 8G7810P00131 (LH side) and P/N 8G7810P00231 (RH side) and the exhaust bracket reinforcements and reinforcement plates. Depending on the results of the inspection, EASA AD 2025-0064 specifies procedures for replacing the ejector duct and reporting inspection results to Leonardo if any discrepancy is detected as a result of the inspection.

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.

Interim Action

The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. The manufacturer is still investigating the root cause of the unsafe condition identified in this AD. If final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD affects four helicopters of U.S. registry.

The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

The FAA estimates the following costs to do any replacements or corrections that would be required based on the results of the inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of helicopters that might need these replacements or corrections.

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

This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 this AD:

(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866,

(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and

(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

The Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: