# 2026-02139: Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters

2026-02139, Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters, is a Federal Register rule from Transportation Department, Federal Aviation Administration published 2026-02-03, effective 2026-02-18 (as of 2026-06-11).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-02139
- As of: 2026-06-11
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-02139
- Title: Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: Transportation Department; Federal Aviation Administration
- Citation: 91 FR 4843
- Published: 2026-02-03
- Effective: 2026-02-18
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: no
- Regulation identifier numbers: 2120-AA64
- Last updated: 2026-06-11

## 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.

## Abstract

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 and AB412 EP helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of a cracked main gearbox (MGB) support case. This AD requires revising the existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for the helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

## Effects PRIA read

- RFM update required for AB412 helicopters: benefit, high. 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…
- No U.S. cost for this AD now: benefit, low. 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: benefit, low. 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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## Sources
- [2026-02139 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/03/2026-02139/airworthiness-directives-leonardo-spa-helicopters)
- [2026-02139 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-02-03/pdf/2026-02139.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-02131, Exercise of Time-Limited Authority To Increase the Fiscal Year 2026 Numerical L…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-02131)
- [Next: 2026-02165, The Sunset Rule; Correction](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-02165)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-02139 (as of 2026-06-11).