Leonardo Helicopters Must Fix Seat Headrest Warnings Now
Published Date: 3/16/2026
Rule
Summary
If you fly Leonardo AB139 or AW139 helicopters with a special seat upgrade, this new rule is for you! Starting March 31, 2026, you must update your flight manual and swap out the seat headrest info signs to show how to lock the headrest during takeoff and landing. This keeps everyone safer without breaking the bank, but don’t wait—comments close April 30, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Helicopter Headrest Placard Requirement
If you operate certain Leonardo AB139 or AW139 helicopters modified under STC SR00049IB with serial numbers 31087, 31133, 31269, 31305, 31351, 31502, 31712, 31735, 31757, 31865, 31869, 41582, or 41583, you must revise the rotorcraft flight manual supplement and replace the information placard next to rear-facing seats to show how to lock the headrest in the highest position during takeoff and landing. This AD is effective March 31, 2026 and requires compliance with EASA AD 2024-0088 (incorporated by reference) except for specified FAA differences. The FAA states there are no costs of compliance because there are no helicopters with this type certificate on the U.S. Registry.
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