Rule2026-02139
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
February 3, 2026
Effective
February 18, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
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.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 22 (Tuesday, February 3, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 3, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4843-4846]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-02139]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-0021; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00668-R;
Amendment 39-23245; AD 2026-02-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: 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.
DATES: This AD is effective February 18, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 18,
2026.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by March 20, 2026.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
[[Page 4844]]
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-0021; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material
identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#80c1c4f3c0e5e1f3e1aee5f5f2eff0e1aee5f5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2a6b6e596a4f4b594b044f5f58455a4b044f5f">[email protected]</span></a>;
website: easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA
website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2026-0021.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Camille Seay, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (817) 222-5149; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c5a6a4a8aca9a9a0eba9ebb6a0a4bc85a3a4a4eba2aab3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ea898b878386868fc486c4998f8b93aa8c8b8bc48d859c">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this final rule. Send your comments using a method
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2026-0021; Project
Identifier MCAI-2024-00668-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The
most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule,
explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting
data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date
and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this final rule.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Camille
Seay, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for
this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2024-0212, dated November 13, 2024
(EASA AD 2024-0212) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition on Leonardo S.p.A Model AB412 and AB412EP helicopters.
The MCAI states that occurrences of a cracked MGB support case have
been reported on Bell Textron Inc. Model 412 helicopters. The MCAI
further states that Bell Textron Inc. reported situations of rapid
buildup of one-per-rev vertical vibration associated with a large
steady state forward cyclic displacement in combination with collective
input while at 100% to 103% revolutions per minute with any part of the
skid gear touching the ground. The FAA issued AD 2020-22-07, Amendment
39-21303 (85 FR 69485, November 3, 2020) (AD 2020-22-07) for all Bell
Textron Inc. Model 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters. AD 2020-22-07
requires revising the existing RFM for the helicopter to add a caution
regarding what to do if a sudden increase in one-per-rev vertical
vibrations occurs with large steady state forward cyclic displacements
in combination with collective input while at a certain RPM percentage
with any part of the skids touching the ground. The MCAI states that,
due to similarity of design, Leonardo S.p.A. Model AB412 helicopters
could also be affected by this unsafe condition. This condition, if not
addressed, could result in structural failure of the MGB support case
and loss of control of the helicopter.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-0021.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0212, which specifies procedures for
amending the existing RFM for the helicopter by incorporating the RFM
revision identified within the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-
0212, as applicable by helicopter model and serial number, informing
all flight crews, and thereafter, operating the helicopter accordingly.
The RFM revision includes Normal Procedures by updating ``before
takeoff,'' ``in-flight operation,'' and ``after landing'' information
by adding a caution regarding the forward cyclic displacement.
This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
(CAA) of another country and are approved for operation in the United
States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of
Design Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing
this AD after determining that the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
AD Requirements
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD
2024-0212, described previously, as incorporated by reference, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this AD. See ``Differences Between this AD and the MCAI'' for a
discussion of the general differences included in this AD.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
The MCAI requires operators to ``inform all flight crews'' of the
revisions
[[Page 4845]]
to the RFM, and thereafter to ``operate the helicopter accordingly.''
However, this AD does not require those actions, as those actions are
already required by FAA regulations. FAA regulations require operators
furnish to pilots any changes to the RFM (for example, 14 CFR 135.21)
and to ensure the pilots are familiar with the RFM (for example, 14 CFR
91.505). As with any other flight crew training requirement, training
on the updated RFM content is tracked by the operators and recorded in
each pilot's training record, which is available for the FAA to review.
FAA regulations also require pilots to follow the procedures in the
existing RFM including all updates. Therefore, including a requirement
in this AD to inform the flight crew and operate the helicopter
according to the revised RFM would be redundant and unnecessary.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some CAA ADs as the primary
source of information for compliance with requirements for
corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been coordinating this process with
manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, EASA AD 2024-0212 is incorporated
by reference in this AD. This AD requires compliance with EASA AD 2024-
0212 in its entirety through that incorporation, except for any
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD.
Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular
section in EASA AD 2024-0212 does not mean that operators need comply
only with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to
``all required actions and compliance times,'' compliance with this AD
requirement is not limited to the section titled ``Required Action(s)
and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2024-0212. Material required by
EASA AD 2024-0212 for compliance will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>
under Docket No. FAA-2026-0021 after this AD is published.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C.
551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment
procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds that
those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the
public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
There are currently no domestic operators of these products.
Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are
unnecessary, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b). In addition, for the
foregoing reason, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and
comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
There are no costs of compliance with this AD because there are no
helicopters with this type certificate on the U.S. Registry.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866, and
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2026-02-09 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-23245; Docket No. FAA-2026-
0021; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00668-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 18,
2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 and AB412 EP
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6320, Main Rotor
Gearbox.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of a cracked main gearbox (MGB)
support case. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent structural
failure of the MGB support case. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in loss of control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2024-0212,
dated November 13, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0212).
[[Page 4846]]
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0212
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0212 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2024-0212 specifies to inform
all flight crews and, thereafter, operate the helicopter
accordingly, this AD does not require those actions as those actions
are already required by existing FAA operating regulations (see 14
CFR 91.505 and 14 CFR 135.21).
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0212 specifies ``the
same content as defined in the SB'', this AD requires replacing that
text with ``information identical to that in Section II Normal
Procedures as defined in the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-
0212''.
Note 1 to paragraph (h)(3): The serial numbers in paragraph 1 of
the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS of Leonardo Helicopters Service
Bulletin 412-163, dated January 27, 2021, reference the titles of
the applicable Leonardo Flight Manuals.
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0212.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0212 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
include that requirement.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of
this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#87c6cac8c4c7e1e6e6a9e0e8f1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="acede1e3efeccacdcd82cbc3da">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Camille Seay,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5149; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5f3c3e323633333a7133712c3a3e261f393e3e71383029"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ee8d8f838782828bc082c09d8b8f97ae888f8fc0898198">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0212,
dated November 13, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5b1a1f281b3e3a283a753e2e29342b3a753e2e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="adece9deedc8ccdecc83c8d8dfc2ddcc83c8d8">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may
find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222 5110.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5b3d29753235282b3e382f3234351b353a293a753c342d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="472135692e2934372224332e2829072926352669202831">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on January 20, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-02139 Filed 2-2-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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