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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-14881, Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
This update affects owners and operators of Bell Textron Canada helicopters. It requires important safety checks and fixes to keep these helicopters flying safely. The changes must be done within set deadlines and might cost some money, but they help prevent serious problems in the air.
2026-14882, Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines
If you own certain Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, the FAA wants you to keep checking a part called the high-pressure turbine triple seal for wear and replace it if needed. They’re updating the rules to remove some engines from this check because a new fix now makes inspections unnecessary for those. Comments on this change are open until September 8, 2026, so get ready to act and keep your engines safe without breaking the bank!
2026-14886, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
If you own or operate an Airbus EC130B4 helicopter, heads up! The FAA wants to fix weak door locks by requiring changes to the swinging and sliding door supports. You’ll need to update your helicopter soon to keep flying safely, and no new affected doors can be installed unless they meet the new rules. Comments on this plan are open until September 8, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-02131, Exercise of Time-Limited Authority To Increase the Fiscal Year 2026 Numerical Limitation for the H-2B Temporary Nonagricultural Worker Program
The government is letting U.S. businesses bring in up to 64,716 extra H-2B workers in 2026 to help companies facing serious financial trouble. These extra visas are only for businesses that prove they really need the help and will be given out in three waves through September 30, 2026. If you’re a business needing temporary workers, act fast—petitions close mid-September!
Next: 2026-02165, The Sunset Rule; Correction
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission fixed a small mistake in a recent rule about adding expiration dates to some regulations, part of a plan to keep rules fresh and support American energy. This correction updates the number of public comments received and confirms the rule starts on February 3, 2026. If you work with or follow NRC rules, this keeps things clear and on track without changing costs or deadlines.