2025-17-11: tail rotor control 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: 2025-17-11 MD Helicopters, LLC: Amendment 39-23121; Docket No. FAA-2024-2009; Project Identifier AD-2023-01286-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 10, 2025. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to MD Helicopters, LLC, Model 369 (Army YOH-6A), 369A (Army OH-6A), 369D, 369E, 369F, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters, certificated in any category, with a tail rotor (T/R) pedal support bracket part number (P/N) 369A7505-7, 369A7505-8, 369A7505-14, 369A7505-15, 369N2640-1, or 369N2640-2, installed. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6720, tail rotor control system. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by multiple reports of cracked T/R pedal support brackets. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect a cracked T/R pedal support bracket. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the T/R pedal support bracket, reduced controllability of the helicopter, and consequent 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 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, using a 10X power magnification glass, mirror, and flashlight, visually inspect each T/R pedal support bracket for cracks and corrosion by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.A.(2)., of MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB369D-231R2, SB369E-131R2, SB369F-122R2, SB369H-265R2, SB500N-068R2, or SB600N-082R2, each dated November 1, 2023 (collectively referred to as "the service bulletins"), as applicable to your helicopter model; you may use a borescope as specified in the note in paragraph 2.A.(2) of the service bulletins. For the purpose of this AD, for MD Helicopters, LLC, Model 369 (Army YOH-6A) and 369A (Army OH-6A) helicopters, use MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB369D-231R2, dated November 1, 2023, to accomplish the actions required by this AD. (i) If there is a crack or any corrosion as a result of the inspections required by the introductory text of paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before further flight, remove the T/R pedal support bracket from service and replace it with a serviceable T/R pedal support bracket P/N 369N2640-1 or 369N2640-2. (ii) If there is not a crack and there is no corrosion as a result of the inspections required by the introductory text of paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before further flight, refinish any exposed areas. (2) Within 50 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS, eddy current, dye penetrant, or fluorescent penetrant inspect each T/R pedal support bracket for a crack by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.(2)., of the service bulletins, as applicable to your helicopter model. (i) If there is a crack as a result of the actions required by the introductory text of paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, before further flight, remove the T/R pedal support bracket from service and replace it with a serviceable T/R pedal support bracket P/N 369N2640-1 or 369N2640-2. (ii) If there is not a crack as a result of the actions required by the introductory text of paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, before further flight, refinish any exposed areas and ensure the T/R pedal support bracket is cleaned from any penetrant residue. (3) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install magnesium cast T/R pedal support bracket P/N 369A7505-7, 369A7505-8, 369A7505-14, or 369A7505-15 on any helicopter. (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 local Flight Standards District 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 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. (i) Additional Information (1) 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: eduardo.orozco-duran@faa.gov. (2) For advisory circular material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference, go to faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/1023552. (j) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) 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) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB369D-231R2, dated November 1, 2023. (ii) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB369E-131R2, dated November 1, 2023. (iii) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB369F-122R2, dated November 1, 2023. (iv) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB369H-265R2, dated November 1, 2023. (v) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB500N-068R2, dated November 1, 2023. (vi) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB600N-082R2, dated November 1, 2023. Note 1 to paragraph (j)(2): The service bulletins identified in paragraphs (j)(2)(i) through (vi) of this AD are co-published as one document. (3) For MD Helicopters material identified in this AD, contact MD Helicopters, LLC, 4555 East McDowell Road, Mesa, AZ 85215-9734; phone: (480) 346-6300; email: info@mdhelicopters.com; website: mdhelicopters.com/contact/. (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 fr.inspection@nara.gov . Issued on August 29, 2025. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2025-17026 Filed 9-4-25; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P