2025-09-01: Auto Flight System

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: 2025-09-01 Bell Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-23022; Docket No. FAA-2025-0740; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00775-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 13, 2025. (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-2024-44, dated December 19, 2024 (Transport Canada AD CF-2024-44). (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 2200, Auto Flight System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of possible chafing in certain locations between the basic and supplemental helicopter wiring and the structure. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent fouling in the helicopter wiring and the structure. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in a short to ground, which would command the engine to idle and could lead to loss of 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-2024-44. (h) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF-2024-44 (1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2024-44 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2024-44 refers to hours airtime, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (3) Where the material referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2024-44 states to contact Bell Product Support Engineering if the fouling condition cannot be rectified, this AD requires contacting the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; Transport Canada; or Bell Textron Canada Limited's Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature. (i) Alternative Method of Compliance The following provisions also apply to this AD. (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: AMOC@faa.gov. (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) 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: michael.m.yeshiambel@faa.gov. (k) 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-2024-44, dated December 19, 2024. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Transport Canada AD CF-2024-44 material identified in this AD, contact Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0N5, Canada; telephone (888) 663-3639; email TC.AirworthinessDirectives-Consignesdenavigabilite.TC@tc.gc.ca; website: tc.canada.ca/en/aviation. You may find the Transport Canada material on the Transport Canada website at wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/cawis-swimn/ad_qs1.aspx. (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 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 fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on April 21, 2025. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2025-07274 Filed 4-23-25; 4:15 pm]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P