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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 2024-02-55, Amendment 39-22674 (89 FR 14576, February 28, 2024); and b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026-15-06 Bell Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-23418; Docket No. FAA-2026-3477; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01195-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 3, 2026. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2024-02-55, Amendment 39-22674 (89 FR 14576, February 28, 2024). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters, certificated in any category, as identified in Transport Canada AD CF-2025-32, dated July 2, 2025 (Transport Canada AD CF-2025-32). (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 5530, Vertical stabilizer structure. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by multiple occurrences of the vertical stabilizer top end cap assembly being found cracked, with some cases including the departure of the navigation/very high frequency omni-directional range/glide slope antenna and tuning weight from the helicopter during flight. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking in the vertical stabilizer top end cap assembly. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in the antenna or tuning weight departing from the helicopter and impacting and damaging the tail rotor, which could result in the loss of directional 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-2025-32. (h) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF-2025-32 (1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2025-32 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2025-32 requires compliance in terms of hours air time, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (3) Where the material referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2025-32 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service. (4) Where the material referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2025-32 specifies damage, for the purposes of this AD, damage can be indicated by, but not limited to, cracking. (5) Where the material referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2025-32 specifies to contact the manufacturer if the drilled holes can no longer go beyond the allowable dimensions, this AD requires corrective action in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada; or Bell Textron Canada Limited Transport Canada Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the material referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2025-32 specifies submitting certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that action. (j) Credit for Previous Actions This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraph 1. of Transport Canada AD CF-2025-32, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Bell Textron Canada Limited Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 505-24-38, dated January 24, 2024. (k) 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 (l)(1) 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. (l) Additional Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Promita Dey, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (913) 563-8269; email: promita.dey@faa.gov. (2) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (m)(3) of this AD. (m) 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-2025-32, dated July 2, 2025. (ii) [Reserved] (3) 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; internet 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, 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 16, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-15365 Filed 7-29-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
