Rule2026-05549
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
March 20, 2026
Effective
April 24, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of incorrectly installed lockwire on the stability and control augmentation system (SCAS) actuator jam nut. This AD requires inspecting the installation of the lockwire on the SCAS actuator jam nut and, if the lockwire is incorrectly installed, removing the lockwire and installing a new lockwire correctly. This AD also prohibits the installation of an affected SCAS actuator assembly unless certain requirements are met. 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 54 (Friday, March 20, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 54 (Friday, March 20, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13492-13495]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-05549]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-5030; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00322-R;
Amendment 39-23290; AD 2026-06-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters. This AD was
prompted by reports of incorrectly installed lockwire
[[Page 13493]]
on the stability and control augmentation system (SCAS) actuator jam
nut. This AD requires inspecting the installation of the lockwire on
the SCAS actuator jam nut and, if the lockwire is incorrectly
installed, removing the lockwire and installing a new lockwire
correctly. This AD also prohibits the installation of an affected SCAS
actuator assembly unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 24, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of April
24, 2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-5030; 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
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For Transport Canada material identified in this AD,
contact Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft
Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0N5, Canada;
phone: (888) 663-3639; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9dc9deb3dcf4efeaf2efe9f5f4f3f8eeeed9f4eff8fee9f4ebf8eeb0def2f3eef4faf3f8eef9f8f3fcebf4fafcfff4f1f4e9f8b3c9dedde9feb3fafeb3fefc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0f5b4c214e667d78607d7b6766616a7c7c4b667d6a6c7b66796a7c224c60617c6668616a7c6b6a616e7966686e6d6663667b6a215b4c4f7b6c21686c216c6e">[email protected]</span></a>; website: tc.canada.ca/en/aviation.
<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-2025-5030.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Yeshiambel, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (316) 946-4133; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6c01050f040d090042014215091f04050d010e09002c0a0d0d420b031a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d6bbbfb5beb7b3baf8bbf8afb3a5bebfb7bbb4b3ba96b0b7b7f8b1b9a0">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Bell Textron Canada
Limited Model 429 helicopters serial numbers 57001 and subsequent with
SCAS actuator part number (P/N) 429-001-065-107, 429-001-065-109, and
429-001-065-111. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on
November 24, 2025 (90 FR 52897). The NPRM was prompted by Transport
Canada AD CF-2025-16, dated March 17, 2025 (Transport Canada AD CF-
2025-16) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by Transport Canada,
which is the aviation authority for Canada. The MCAI states that there
have been several reports of incorrectly installed lockwire on the SCAS
actuator jam nut. The MCAI further states that the incorrect
installation of the lockwire could allow the actuator jam nut to
loosen.
This condition, if not addressed, could lead to the SCAS actuator
rotating about the axis of the tube, interfering with the adjacent
structure and limiting or completely jamming control movement,
resulting in partial or complete loss of control of the helicopter.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require inspecting the
installation of the lockwire on the SCAS actuator jam nut and, if the
lockwire is incorrectly installed, removing the lockwire and installing
a new lockwire correctly. The NPRM also proposed prohibiting the
installation of an affected SCAS actuator assembly unless certain
requirements are met.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-5030.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
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 reviewed the relevant
data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for
minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Transport Canada AD CF-2025-16, which specifies
procedures for a one-time inspection of the lockwire installation of
the jam nuts of the cyclic longitudinal, cyclic lateral, and
directional SCAS actuators and, if the lockwire is improperly
installed, removal of the lockwire and installation of a new lockwire
in the correct direction. Transport Canada AD CF-2025-16 also prohibits
the installation of an affected SCAS actuator assembly unless certain
requirements are met.
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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 101 helicopters of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspect lockwire...................... 1.5 work-hour x $85 per $0 $128 $12,928
hour = $128.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any repairs that would
be required based on the results of the inspection. The agency has no
way of determining the number of helicopters that might need this
repair:
[[Page 13494]]
On Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replace lockwire.............................. .5 work-hours x $85 per hour = $0 $43
$43.
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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 that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
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:
2026-06-02 Bell Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-23290; Docket
No. FAA-2025-5030; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00322-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 24, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429
helicopters, certificated in any category, as identified in
Transport Canada AD CF-2025-16, dated March 17, 2025 (Transport
Canada AD CF-2025-16).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6700, Rotorcraft
flight control.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of incorrectly installed
lockwire on the stability and control augmentation system (SCAS)
actuator jam nut. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
incorrect installation of the lockwire. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could allow the SCAS actuator jam nut to loosen, which
could lead to the SCAS actuator rotating about the axis of the tube,
interfering with the adjacent structure and limiting or completely
jamming control movement, resulting in partial or complete 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 paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, Transport Canada AD CF-2025-16.
(h) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF-2025-16
(1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2025-16 refers to its effective
date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2025-16 requires compliance in
terms of air time, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(i) 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 (j) of
this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#adece0e2eeedcbcccc83cac2db"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2465696b67644245450a434b52">[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.
(j) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Michael Yeshiambel,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946-4133; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#eb868288838a8e87c586c5928e9883828a86898e87ab8d8a8ac58c849d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d5b8bcb6bdb4b0b9fbb8fbacb0a6bdbcb4b8b7b0b995b3b4b4fbb2baa3">[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) Transport Canada AD CF-2025-16, dated March 17, 2025.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Transport Canada material identified in this AD, contact
Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification,
159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0N5, Canada; phone: (888)
663-3639; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a4f0e78ae5cdd6d3cbd6d0cccdcac1d7d7e0cdd6c1c7d0cdd2c1d789e7cbcad7cdc3cac1d7c0c1cac5d2cdc3c5c6cdc8cdd0c18af0e7e4d0c78ac3c78ac7c5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="37637419765e45405845435f5e59524444735e455254435e4152441a745859445e5059524453525956415e5056555e5b5e4352196374774354195054195456">[email protected]</span></a>. You may view this material on
the Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/aviation.
(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#b0d6c29ed9dec3c0d5d3c4d9dfdef0ded1c2d19ed7dfc6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="573125793e3924273234233e3839173936253679303821">[email protected]</span></a>.
[[Page 13495]]
Issued on March 12, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-05549 Filed 3-19-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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