# Proposed AD FAA-2020-0503: Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2021-02-03
- Products: Leonardo
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: May 20, 2020, 85 FR 30664
- Comments due: July 20, 2020
- Became: [AD 2021-02-03](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2021-02-03)
- Docket: FAA-2020-0503 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2020-0503, where comments are filed)
- FR document: 2020-10752
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/0a/f7/0af782715bfe9b8815c1fe5c971cc07e8f98ee4bd3ef138949d58c0bd5fdca84 (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-05-20/pdf/2020-10752.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/05/20/2020-10752/airworthiness-directives-leonardo-spa-helicopters
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/F40009959EFD8BDE8625856E0048061D.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2020-0503

## Summary

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. (Leonardo) Model AW189 helicopters. This proposed AD would require various repetitive inspections of the main rotor (MR) damper. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of in- service MR damper failures and the development of an improved MR damper. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to loss of the lead-lag damping function of the MR blade, possibly resulting in damage to adjacent critical rotor components and subsequent loss control of the helicopter. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to address the unsafe condition on these products.

## Notices in this docket

- May 20, 2020: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 2020-10752, comments due Jul 20, 2020 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/05/20/2020-10752/airworthiness-directives-leonardo-spa-helicopters)

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