Rule2026-16043
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited 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
August 6, 2026
Effective
September 10, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a quality escape in the production installation of a washer installed on the tail rotor pitch link assembly (pitch link assembly). This AD requires a one-time visual inspection for proper installation of the washer installed on the pitch link assembly and, depending on the results of the inspection, corrective actions. 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 150 (Thursday, August 6, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 150 (Thursday, August 6, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50693-50695]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-16043]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-3866; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01200-R;
Amendment 39-23432; AD 2026-16-02]
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 505 helicopters. This AD was
prompted by a report of a quality escape in the production installation
of a washer installed on the tail rotor pitch link assembly (pitch link
assembly). This AD requires a one-time visual inspection for proper
installation of the washer installed on the pitch link assembly and,
depending on the results of the inspection, corrective actions. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 10, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September
10, 2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-3866; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
[[Page 50694]]
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#4d190e630c243f3a223f39252423283e3e09243f282e39243b283e600e22233e242a23283e2928232c3b242a2c2f242124392863190e0d392e632a2e632e2c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2175620f604853564e535549484f445252654853444255485744520c624e4f5248464f445245444f405748464043484d4855440f75626155420f46420f4240">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find the Transport Canada
material on the Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/aviation.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 10101 Hillwood Parkway,
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-2026-3866.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Enns, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316)
946-4147; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#432722352a276d262d2d30032522226d242c35"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="abcfcaddc2cf85cec5c5d8ebcdcaca85ccc4dd">[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 certain Bell Textron
Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters. The NPRM was published in the
Federal Register on April 23, 2026 (91 FR 21741). The NPRM was prompted
by Transport Canada AD CF-2025-34, dated July 3, 2025, (Transport
Canada AD CF-2025-34) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by
Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada. The MCAI
states Bell Textron Canada Limited has discovered a quality escape in
the production installation of the pitch link assemblies where a washer
was installed in the wrong location. The MCAI further states this
incorrect installation could cause fracture of the pitch horn stud due
to fatigue or when the rotor blade exceeds the travel during certain
control inputs and blade flapping angles. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in fracture of the pitch horn stud due to
fatigue or when the rotor blade exceeds the travel during certain
control inputs and blade flapping angles and loss of directional
control of the helicopter.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time visual
inspection for proper installation of the washer installed on the pitch
link assembly and, depending on the results of the inspection,
corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-3866.
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. This AD is
adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Transport Canada AD CF-2025-34, which specifies
procedures for a one-time visual inspection for proper installation of
the pitch link assembly and, depending on the results of the
inspection, reassembling the pitch link assembly and washer or removing
and replacing the pitch link assembly, tail rotor pitch horn, packings,
and conical washer.
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 10 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 pitch link assembly.............. 1 work-hour x $85 per hour $0 $85 $850
= $85.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any replacements 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
these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replace pitch link assembly, 4 work-hours x $4,396 (per assembly)........... Up to $9,472.
tail rotor pitch horn, $85 per hour =
packings, and conical washer. $340 (per
assembly).
Remove and reassemble pitch 1 work-hour x $85 $0.............................. $85.
link assembly. per hour = $85.
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The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
operators.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
[[Page 50695]]
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:
2026-16-02 Bell Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-23432; Docket
No. FAA-2026-3866; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01200-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 10,
2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505
helicopters, certificated in any category, as identified in
Transport Canada AD CF-2025-34, dated July 3, 2025 (Transport Canada
AD CF-2025-34).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6400, Tail rotor
system.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a quality escape in the
production installation of a washer installed on the tail rotor
pitch link assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect proper
installation. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result
in fracture of the pitch horn stud due to fatigue or when the rotor
blade exceeds the travel during certain control inputs and blade
flapping angles and loss of directional control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
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-2025-34.
(h) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF-2025-34
(1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2025-34 refers to its effective
date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2025-34 requires compliance in
terms of air time, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where paragraph (1) of Transport Canada AD CF-2025-34
specifies ``Perform a one-time inspection of the tail rotor pitch
link assembly installation'', this AD requires replacing that text
with ``Perform a one-time inspection of the tail rotor pitch link
assembly installation and, if applicable, remove and reassemble the
pitch link assembly and washer''.
(4) Where the material referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-
2025-34 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD requires
removing those parts from service.
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and
21.199, are not allowed.
(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#66272b29252600070748010910"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c1808c8e8281a7a0a0efa6aeb7">[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 David Enns, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: (316) 946-4147; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a2c6c3d4cbc68cc7ccccd1e2c4c3c38cc5cdd4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="620603140b064c070c0c11220403034c050d14">[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-2025-34, dated July 3, 2025.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Transport Canada material identified in this AD, contact
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#94c0d7bad5fde6e3fbe6e0fcfdfaf1e7e7d0fde6f1f7e0fde2f1e7b9d7fbfae7fdf3faf1e7f0f1faf5e2fdf3f5f6fdf8fde0f1bac0d7d4e0f7baf3f7baf7f5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7e2a3d503f170c09110c0a1617101b0d0d3a170c1b1d0a17081b0d533d11100d1719101b0d1a1b101f0817191f1c1712170a1b502a3d3e0a1d50191d501d1f">[email protected]</span></a>. You
may find this material on the Transport Canada website at
tc.canada.ca/en/aviation.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 10101 Hillwood Parkway,
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#ee889cc087809d9e8b8d9a878180ae808f9c8fc0898198"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="97f1e5b9fef9e4e7f2f4e3fef8f9d7f9f6e5f6b9f0f8e1">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on July 30, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-16043 Filed 8-5-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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