2026-04-03: Electrical Power System Wiring

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026-04-03 Leonardo S.p.A.: Amendment 39-23262; Docket No. FAA-2025-5035; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00707-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 2, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.A. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2497, Electrical Power System Wiring. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of interference found in the overhead panel area between the electrical cables and adjacent connectors. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address chafing of the electrical cables. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in chafing of the electrical cables which could lead to a fire in the overhead panel with consequent loss of control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Requirements Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2025-0094, dated April 24, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0094). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0094 (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0094 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where EASA AD 2025-0094 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0094 specifies "If, during the inspection as required by paragraph (1) of this AD, any discrepancy is detected, as identified in the ASB (Alert Service Bulletin), before next flight, accomplish the applicable corrective action(s) in accordance with the instructions of Part I", this AD requires replacing that text with "If, during the inspection as required by paragraph (1) of this AD, any discrepancy is detected, as identified in Part I of the ASB, before next flight, accomplish the applicable corrective action(s) in accordance with the instructions of Part I of the ASB". (4) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2025-0094 specifies "If, during any inspection as required by paragraph (2) of this AD, any discrepancy is detected, as identified in the ASB", this AD requires replacing that text with "If, during any inspection as required by paragraph (2) of this AD, any discrepancy is detected, as identified in Part II of the ASB". (5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0094 specifies to contact "LHD Product Support Engineering" for repair instructions, this AD requires using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (6) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0094 specifies "if necessary, use a mirror and a source of light to completely inspect the area", this AD requires replacing that text with "Use a mirror and light source to inspect the area". (7) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2025-0094. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although EASA AD 2025-0094 specifies reporting certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. (j) 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 (k) 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. (k) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Michael Yeshiambel, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946-4190; email: michael.m.yeshiambel@faa.gov. (l) 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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0094, dated April 24, 2025. (ii) Reserved (3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N-321, 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 February 24, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-03872 Filed 2-25-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P