FAA proposes inspection rule for Leonardo AW189 helicopters after ejector duct cracking reports
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This proposed FAA rule would require operators of all Leonardo S.p.a. AW189 helicopters to repeatedly inspect the left and right ejector ducts, including related reinforcements, after reports of cracking. If damage is found, the affected duct must be replaced. The FAA says the goal is to prevent a duct part from breaking off and hitting the tailplane or tail rotor, which could lead to loss of control. The proposal affects U.S.-registered AW189 helicopters, with comments due by June 15, 2026.
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Key Changes
- Requires repeated inspections of both ejector ducts and related reinforcements on all Leonardo AW189 helicopters
- Requires replacement of any affected ejector duct if cracking or damage is found
- Adopts EASA AD 2025-0064 with FAA-specific exceptions, and does not require the reporting/return of parts that the European rule asks for
Obligations
What this law requires
Operators of Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters must repetitively inspect the left-hand and right-hand ejector ducts, including the exhaust bracket reinforcements and reinforcement plates, in accordance with EASA AD 2025-0064 as incorporated by the FAA AD.
If inspection identifies damage or a discrepancy affecting an ejector duct, the affected ejector duct must be replaced.
When applying EASA AD 2025-0064 for this FAA AD, operators must use the FAA AD effective date instead of the effective date or July 26, 2023 referenced in EASA AD 2025-0064.
When EASA AD 2025-0064 expresses compliance times in flight hours, operators must treat those times as hours time-in-service for this FAA AD.
Operators must comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in EASA AD 2025-0064, except for the FAA-listed exceptions.