Final rule · 2026-09516

Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-23-04 which applied to certain Leonardo S.p.A. Model A109E helicopters. AD 2021-23-04 required repetitive inspections of the intersection of the lateral pylon and floor spar at station (STA) 1815 for cracking and, depending on the findings, repair. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-23-04, it was determined that additional helicopter models are affected by the unsafe condition. Additionally, the manufacturer has developed a modification that provides terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD continues to require repetitive inspections of the affected area for cracking and adds additional helicopter models to the applicability. This AD also requires modification of the affected area, which is terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.