Rule2026-19891
Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, LLC 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
September 29, 2026
Effective
October 20, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is correcting an airworthiness directive (AD) that was published in the Federal Register. That AD applies to all MD Helicopters, LLC Model 369, 369A, 369D, 369E, 369F, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters. As published, the header of the regulatory text is missing the AD number and the amendment number. This document corrects those errors. In all other respects, the original document remains the same.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 187 (Tuesday, September 29, 2026)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 187 (Tuesday, September 29, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61304-61306]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-19891]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-3987; Project Identifier AD-2025-00017-R;
Amendment 39-23466; AD 2026-19-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, LLC Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; correction.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is correcting an airworthiness directive (AD) that was
published in the Federal Register. That AD applies to all MD
Helicopters, LLC Model 369, 369A, 369D, 369E, 369F, 369FF, 369H, 369HE,
369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters. As published, the header of
the regulatory text is missing the AD number and the amendment number.
This document corrects those errors. In all other respects, the
original document remains the same.
DATES: This correction is effective October 20, 2026. The effective
date of AD 2026-19-01 remains October 20, 2026.
ADDRESSES: AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>
under Docket No. FAA-2025-3987, 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, 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eduardo Orozco-Duran, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712; phone:
(562) 627-5264; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2d4849584c5f494203425f42574e420049585f4c436d4b4c4c034a425b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0663627367746269286974697c65692b62737467684660676728616970">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
AD 2026-19-01, Amendment 39-23466 (91 FR 58365, September 15, 2026)
(AD 2026-19-01), requires repetitively inspecting the torque tube
assembly and roller bearings, and depending on the results, replacing
parts or accomplishing additional inspections for all MD Helicopters,
LLC Model 369, 369A, 369D, 369E, 369F, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM,
369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters.
Need for the Correction
As published, the header of the regulatory text of AD 2026-19-01 is
missing the AD number and the amendment number.
Correction of Publication
This document corrects errors and accordingly adds the AD as an
amendment to 14 CFR 39.13. Although no other part of the preamble or
regulatory information has been corrected, the FAA is publishing the
entire rule in the Federal Register.
The effective date of this AD remains October 20, 2026.
Since this action adds only the missing information identified
above, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no additional
burden on any person. Therefore, the FAA has determined that notice and
public comment procedures are unnecessary.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (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 [Corrected]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2024-23-06, Amendment 39-22885 (89
FR 91248, November 19, 2024); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2026-19-01 MD Helicopters, LLC: Amendment 39-23466; Docket No. FAA-
2025-3987; Project Identifier AD-2025-00017-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 20, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2024-23-06, Amendment 39-22885 (89 FR 91248,
November 19, 2024) (AD 2024-23-06).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all MD Helicopters, LLC Model 369, 369A,
369D, 369E, 369F, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6700, Rotorcraft
flight control.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a seized and damaged roller
bearing assembly in the torque tube assembly. The FAA is issuing
this AD to prevent failure of the torque tube assembly. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced controllability
and loss of control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or within 12 months
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours
[[Page 61305]]
TIS, accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and
(ii) of this AD.
(i) Using a flashlight and mirror, visually inspect the torque
tube for corrosion and cracks. If there is any corrosion or a crack,
before further flight, remove the torque tube from service and
install an airworthy torque tube.
(ii) Visually inspect each roller bearing (number 5) as depicted
in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD for corrosion and
degradation. If a roller bearing has any corrosion or degradation,
before further flight, remove the roller bearing from service and
install an airworthy roller bearing.
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR29SE26.000
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C
(2) Before the helicopter accumulates 3,000 total hours TIS or
within 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours
TIS, perform a freedom-of-movement inspection on the torque tube
assembly by accomplishing the actions required by paragraphs
(g)(2)(i) through (v) of this AD.
(i) Disconnect the one-way lock (number 6) of the torque tube by
removing the cotter pin (number 7), nut (number 8), bolt (number 9),
washers (number 10), and slotted bushing (number 11) from the torque
tube assembly as depicted in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this
AD.
[[Page 61306]]
(ii) Loosen the longitudinal cyclic friction knob (number 12 or
13) of the torque tube assembly as depicted in Figure 1 to paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD.
(iii) While moving the cyclic control forward and aft to allow
the torque tube assembly to rotate through its full range of motion,
inspect the torque tube assembly for binding and ratcheting.
(A) If there is any binding or ratcheting as a result of the
action required by paragraph (g)(2)(iii) of this AD, before further
flight, inspect each roller bearing (number 5) as depicted in Figure
1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD for damage. For the purposes of
this inspection, damage may be indicated by corrosion, lack of
lubrication (dry exterior surface), or material degradation.
(B) If any roller bearing (number 5) as depicted in Figure 1 to
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD has any damage, before further flight,
remove the roller bearing from service and install an airworthy
roller bearing.
(iv) If there is no binding or ratcheting as a result of the
action required by paragraph (g)(2)(iii) of this AD or after
accomplishing the action required by paragraph (g)(2)(iii)(B) of
this AD, as applicable, tighten the cyclic friction knob (number 12
or 13) as depicted in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(v) Connect the one-way lock (number 6) as depicted in Figure 1
to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD by accomplishing the actions required
by paragraphs (g)(2)(v)(A) and (B).
(A) Install the slotted bushing (number 11), washers (number
10), bolt (number 9), nut (number 8), and new (zero total hours TIS)
cotter pin (number 7) as depicted in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD.
(B) Ensure the edge of the slotted bushing (number 11) protrudes
0.010 to 0.080 inch (0.25 to 2.03 millimeters) above the surface of
the cyclic torque tube after the nut is tightened.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, West Certification 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 responsible Flight
Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to
the manager of the West Certification Branch, send it to the
attention of the person identified in paragraph (i) of this AD and
email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3e7f73717d7e585f5f10595148"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="50111d1f13103631317e373f26">[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.
(i) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Eduardo Orozco-
Duran, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, CA 90712; phone: (562) 627-5264; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#650001100417010a4b0a170a1f060a48011017040b250304044b020a13"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0663627367746269286974697c65692b62737467684660676728616970">[email protected]</span></a>.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on September 24, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-19891 Filed 9-28-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on September 29, 2026.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.