2026-17-07: Main rotor mast/swashplate

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: 2026-17-07 Leonardo S.p.A.: Amendment 39-23450; Docket No. FAA-2026-4647; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01212-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 2, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.A. Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, A109K2, A109E, A109S, A119, AW109SP and AW119 MKII helicopters, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0148, dated July 11, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0148). (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6230, Main rotor mast/swashplate. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of an incorrectly installed swashplate duplex bearing (bearing). The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct improper installation of the bearing. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the bearing and 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, EASA AD 2025-0148. (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0148 (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0148 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where EASA AD 2025-0148 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service (TIS). (3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0148 and the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0148 specify contacting Leonardo for applicable repair instructions, this AD requires, before further flight, contacting the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or 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. (4) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2025-0148. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0148 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action. (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 Evan Weaver, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 518-9297; email: evan.weaver@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 2025-0148, dated July 11, 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, 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 August 17, 2026. Paul R. Bernado, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-17581 Filed 8-27-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P