# Proposed AD FAA-2021-0348: Leonardo S.p.a. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Agusta S.p.A.) Helicopters

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2021-14-18
- Products: Leonardo
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: May 10, 2021, 86 FR 24780
- Comments due: June 24, 2021
- Became: [AD 2021-14-18](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2021-14-18)
- Docket: FAA-2021-0348 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2021-0348, where comments are filed)
- Project: 2018-SW-076-AD
- FR document: 2021-09759
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/25/e3/25e3e14057a5d03d376184bb13a99eee86514886d41e29183e9205e22926f5c4 (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-05-10/pdf/2021-09759.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/05/10/2021-09759/airworthiness-directives-leonardo-spa-type-certificate-previously-held-by-agusta-spa-helicopters
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/3A3A92A12EAAFF4E862586D100630903.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2021-0348

## Summary

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-18-52 for certain Agusta S.p.A. (now Leonardo S.p.a.) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. AD 2011-18-52 requires revising the life limit for certain part-numbered tail rotor (T/R) blades, updating the helicopter's historical records, repetitively inspecting each T/R blade for a crack or damage, and depending on the results, replacing the T/R blade. Since the FAA

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issued AD 2011-18-52, the manufacturer developed improved T/R blades using different materials and established life limits for each improved blade. This proposed AD would retain certain requirements from AD 2011- 18-52, revise certain requirements from AD 2011-18-52, and expand the applicability to include the newly-designed T/R blades. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

## Notices in this docket

- May 10, 2021: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 2021-09759, comments due Jun 24, 2021 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/05/10/2021-09759/airworthiness-directives-leonardo-spa-type-certificate-previously-held-by-agusta-spa-helicopters)

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