2026-14-07: Main rotor control

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: 2026-14-07 Bell Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-23408; Docket No. FAA-2025-3436; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00314-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 21, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 407 helicopters, certificated in any category, with a pilot cyclic stick tube assembly part number (P/N) 206-001-342-101 or P/N 206-001-342-101FM installed. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6710, Main rotor control. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of a fractured pilot cyclic stick tube and subsequent findings of other pilot cyclic stick tubes with fatigue cracking. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct a crack in the pilot cyclic stick tube which, if not addressed, could lead to an in-flight failure of the pilot cyclic stick tube 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) 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-2024-18, dated May 29, 2024 (Transport Canada AD CF-2024-18). (2) For a pilot cyclic stick tube assembly that has accumulated 3,600 or more hours time-in-service if, after complying with paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, no cracks are identified, thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 300 hours time-in-service or 6 months, whichever occurs first, perform a detailed inspection of the pilot cyclic stick tube assembly in accordance with Part II paragraph A. of Transport Canada AD CF-2024-18. (h) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF-2024-18 (1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2024-18 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2024-18 requires compliance in terms of air time, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (3) This AD does not adopt Part I, Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) Revision-Applicable to Group 1 Helicopters, of Transport Canada AD CF-2024-18. (4) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2024-18 states "Part II-Inspection and Replacement or Repair of Cyclic Stick Tube Assembly-Applicable to Group 2 Helicopters", this AD requires replacing that text with "Part II-Inspection and Replacement or Repair of Cyclic Stick Tube Assembly-All Helicopters". (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the material referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2024-18 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. (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 11590; 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 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-2024-18, dated May 29, 2024. (ii) [Reserved]. (3) For Transport Canada material identified in this AD, contact Transport Canada, 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; website: tc.canada.ca/en/aviation. You may find the Transport Canada material on the Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/aviation. (4) 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. (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 July 9, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-14481 Filed 7-16-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P