# Proposed AD FAA-2026-3869: Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2026-15-15
- Products: Leonardo
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: April 29, 2026, 91 FR 23031
- Comments due: June 15, 2026
- Became: [AD 2026-15-15](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2026-15-15)
- Docket: FAA-2026-3869 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2026-3869, where comments are filed)
- Project: MCAI-2025-00429-R
- FR document: 2026-08316
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/67/39/6739b23ea7e9664e09729285d85926823b494bd40a3d83c5833971b2644161e6 (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-04-29/pdf/2026-08316.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/29/2026-08316/airworthiness-directives-leonardo-spa-helicopters
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/FR-ADNPRM-2026-08316-00000000000.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2026-3869

## Summary

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking on the ejector ducts. This proposed AD would require repetitively inspecting the left-hand (LH) side and right-hand (RH) side ejector ducts, including the exhaust bracket reinforcements and reinforcement plates, and, depending on the results, replacing any affected ejector duct. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

## Notices in this docket

- Apr 29, 2026: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 2026-08316, comments due Jun 15, 2026 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/29/2026-08316/airworthiness-directives-leonardo-spa-helicopters)

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