2026-13-12: Main rotor head

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: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2025-09-03, Amendment 39-23024 (90 FR 17547, April 28, 2025); and b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026-13-12 Bell Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-23395; Docket No. FAA-2026-3476; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01366-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 11, 2026. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2025-09-03, Amendment 39-23024 (90 FR 17547, April 28, 2025). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 430 helicopters, serial numbers 49001 through 49129 inclusive, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6220, Main rotor head. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by an in-flight failure of the main rotor (M/R) pitch link clevis (clevis) due to fatigue damage caused by excessive wear of the universal bearing. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address wear and damage of the M/R pitch link assembly components. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in crack initiation at the M/R clevis neck and failure of the M/R pitch link, which could result in 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 paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, Transport Canada AD CF-2024-40, dated December 3, 2024 (Transport Canada AD CF-2024-40). (h) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF-2024-40 (1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2024-40 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using May 13, 2025, the effective date of AD 2025-09-03. (2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2024-40 requires compliance in terms of hours air time, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (3) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2024-40 uses the term "new" in the definition of "serviceable part," this AD requires replacing that text with "new (zero hours time-in-service)". (4) Where any paragraph in Transport Canada AD CF-2024-40 specifies performing a magnetic particle inspection (MPI) if any suspected defects are found as a result of the DI [detailed inspection], this AD requires replacing that text with "if any suspected defects (evidenced by linear indications) are found on the M/R clevis as a result of the detailed inspection". Note 1 to paragraph (h)(4): a linear indication is defined as an indication for which the longest dimension is at least three times longer than the smallest one. (5) Where Part I paragraph A.8. and Part III paragraph B. of Transport Canada AD CF-2024-40 specify to purge grease the bearings, for this AD those actions are not required if already accomplished when doing Part I paragraph A.7 and Part III paragraph A. of Transport Canada AD CF-2024-40. (6) Where Part I paragraph A.9. of Transport Canada AD CF-2024-40 specifies to re-identify the main rotor pitch link assemblies and sub-components, for this AD those actions are not required if already accomplished when doing Part I paragraphs A.2. through A.4. of Transport Canada AD CF-2024-40. (7) Where Part I paragraph B. of Transport Canada AD CF-2024-40 specifies to "replace each component listed in Table 1 of the Bell ASB before exceeding the applicable airworthiness life limit indicated in Table 4-1 of the applicable ALS [Airworthiness Limitations Section]", for this AD that requirement does not apply to M/R pitch link assemblies part numbers 430-010-411-109, -109FM, -111, and -111FM, as those parts are replaced on-condition. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the material referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2024-40 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action. (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: 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. (k) Additional information For more information about this AD, contact Alexis Whitaker, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY; phone: (516) 228-7309; email: alexis.j.whitaker@faa.gov. (l) 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. (3) The following material was approved for IBR on May 13, 2025 (90 FR 17547, April 28, 2025). (i) Transport Canada AD CF-2024-40, dated December 3, 2024. (ii) [Reserved] (4) 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: TC.AirworthinessDirectives-Consignesdenavigabilite.TC@tc.gc.ca. You may find this material on the Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/aviation. (5) 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. (6) 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 June 29, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-13685 Filed 7-6-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P