FAA Proposes Safety Check for Leonardo Helicopter Bearings

The Federal Aviation Administration is asking for public comments on a proposed rule that would require inspections of certain Leonardo helicopters. The agency identified an unsafe condition where a specific bearing may have been installed incorrectly during manufacturing. If left unchecked, this error could cause the bearing to fail and potentially lead to loss of control of the aircraft.

Why it matters: This is a preventive safety measure aimed at stopping a mechanical failure before it causes an accident. While the immediate cost for inspection is relatively low, repairs could be more expensive if issues are found. However, the manufacturer notes that some repair costs might be covered under warranty, which would reduce the financial burden on operators.

Who it affects

• Owners and operators of Leonardo A109A, A109AII, A109C, A109K2, A109E, A109LUH, A119, AW119MKII, and certain A109S and AW109SP helicopters.

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This information comes from a proposed rule published by the FAA in the Federal Register; readers should verify details against the original document at regulations.gov before taking action.

Agency: Transportation Department, Federal Aviation Administration
Source: Federal Register — read the official document