Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
Published Date: 2/3/2026
Rule
Summary
If you fly a Leonardo AB412 or AB412 EP helicopter, listen up! The FAA found cracks in the main gearbox support and now requires updating your flight manual to keep things safe. This rule kicks in on February 18, 2026, so get ready to make the change soon—no big costs, just a quick paperwork update to keep your chopper flying strong.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
RFM update required for AB412 helicopters
If you operate a Leonardo Model AB412 or AB412 EP helicopter, the FAA requires you to revise the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) to add a caution about forward cyclic displacement because cracks were found in the main gearbox (MGB) support case. This AD applies to all AB412 and AB412 EP helicopters and requires complying with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0212; the rule is effective February 18, 2026.
No U.S. cost for this AD now
The FAA states there are currently no Leonardo AB412 or AB412 EP helicopters on the U.S. Registry, and therefore reports there are no costs of compliance with this AD at this time. The AD is nevertheless effective February 18, 2026.
FAA removes EASA reporting requirement
Although EASA AD 2024-0212 specifies submitting certain information to the manufacturer, this FAA AD explicitly does not include that reporting requirement. That means operators do not have to send the manufacturer the information that EASA's AD asked for.
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