2026-02-09: Main Rotor Gearbox

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 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). (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: [email protected]. (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: [email protected]. (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: [email protected]; 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 www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected]. 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