2026-01-01: Aileron 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: 2026-01-01 Honda Aircraft Company LLC: Amendment 39-23229; Docket No. FAA-2025-1355; Project Identifier AD-2025-00016-A. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 17, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Honda Aircraft Company LLC (Honda) Model HA-420 airplanes, serial numbers 42000172, 42000235 through 42000265, and 42000267 through 42000272, certificated in any category, with aileron balance weight part number HJ1-15751-152-003 or HJ1-15751-157-003 installed. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2710, Aileron Control System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by the discovery that the gap between the trailing edge wing nut plates and leading edge aileron balance weights may be less than the minimum required clearance. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent jamming or contact between the balance weights and the nut plates. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of control of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, replace the left and right aileron fixed balance weights in accordance with steps 3.0(3) through 3.0(8) of the Accomplishment Instructions in Honda Aircraft Company Service Bulletin No. SB-420-27-011, Revision B, dated December 12, 2024, except as provided in paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD. (1) Instead of discarding parts, you must remove those parts from service. (2) This AD does not require returning parts to the manufacturer. (3) Instead of contacting Honda if proper aileron balance cannot be attained using adjustable balance weights, this AD requires attaining proper aileron balance using a procedure approved by the Manager, East Certification Branch, FAA. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, East 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 East 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. (3) For material that contains steps that are labeled as RC the provisions of paragraphs (h)(3)(i) and (ii) of this AD apply. (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and identified figures. (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. (i) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Tuan Tran, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-5522; email: ECB-COS@faa.gov. (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) Honda Aircraft Company Service Bulletin No. SB-420-27-011, Revision B, dated December 12, 2024. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Honda Aircraft Company material identified in this AD, contact Honda Aircraft Company LLC, 6430 Ballinger Road, Greensboro, NC 27410; phone: (336) 662-0246; website: hondajet.com. (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. 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 January 8, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-00454 Filed 1-12-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P