# 2026-03872: Leonardo Pilots: Stop Those Overhead Wires from Rubbing Dangerously!

2026-03872, Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, is a Federal Register rule from Transportation Department, Federal Aviation Administration published 2026-02-26, effective 2026-04-02; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-06-11).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-03872
- As of: 2026-06-11
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-03872
- Title: Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: Transportation Department; Federal Aviation Administration
- Citation: 91 FR 9443
- Published: 2026-02-26
- Effective: 2026-04-02
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: yes
- Regulation identifier numbers: 2120-AA64
- Last updated: 2026-06-11

## In one line

Leonardo Pilots: Stop Those Overhead Wires from Rubbing Dangerously!

## Summary

If you fly a Leonardo AB139 or AW139 helicopter, listen up! The FAA found some electrical cables rubbing where they shouldn’t, which could cause trouble. Starting April 2, 2026, pilots and owners must regularly check the overhead panel, fix or replace any damaged wires, and update the panel on certain models to keep flying safe and sound.

## Abstract

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.A. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of interference found in the overhead panel area between the electrical cables and adjacent connectors. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the overhead panel and, depending on the results, repairing or replacing the damaged wires. This AD also requires modifying the overhead panel on certain helicopters. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

## Effects PRIA read

- Mandatory inspections and panel fixes: cost, medium. If you operate a Leonardo Model AB139 or AW139 helicopter, starting April 2, 2026 you must repeatedly inspect the overhead panel for electrical cable chafing, repair or replace any damaged wires, and on certain helicopters modify the overhead panel. The FAA estimates an inspection takes 2 work-hour…
- Potential unknown repair expenses: cost, high. The FAA says the actions needed for cables that cannot be repaired could vary significantly and it cannot determine the costs or how many helicopters will need repairs. That means some operators may face additional, possibly substantial, repair bills beyond the estimated inspection and modification…

## Related documents

- [2026-15585](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-15585): Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems, 2026-07-31
- [2026-13440](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-13440): Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight, 2026-07-02
- [2026-13126](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-13126): Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period, 2026-06-30
- [2026-08943](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-08943): Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility, 2026-05-06
- [2025-04846](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2025-04846): Extension of the Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya, 2025-03-20
- [2025-03853](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2025-03853): Enforcement Policy Regarding “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States; Corre…, 2025-03-11

## Sources
- [2026-03872 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/26/2026-03872/airworthiness-directives-leonardo-spa-helicopters)
- [2026-03872 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-02-26/pdf/2026-03872.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-03856, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-03856)
- [Next: 2026-03875, Establishment of Helena Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Air…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-03875)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-03872 (as of 2026-06-11).