Type:Proposed Rule
Citation:90 FR 9069
Reading Time:about 13 minutes
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a new airworthiness directive for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. This proposal is due to a reported electrical failure in the starter-generator caused by a broken drive shaft, which led to partial battery power loss. The directive would require helicopters to have a battery discharge detector installed and to update the Rotorcraft Flight Manual. This action aims to prevent the risk of losing complete electrical power, which could result in losing control of the helicopter.
Simple Explanation
The FAA wants to make sure certain helicopters are safe by checking that they have a special device to watch the battery and updating their guidebook to avoid problems with losing power.