90 FR 80 pgs. 17550-17553 - Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
Type: RULEVolume: 90Number: 80Pages: 17550 - 17553
Pages: 17550, 17551, 17552, 17553Docket number: [Docket No. FAA-2025-0740; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00775-R; Amendment 39-23022; AD 2025-09-01]
FR document: [FR Doc. 2025-07274 Filed 4-23-25; 4:15 pm]
Agency: Transportation Department
Sub Agency: Federal Aviation Administration
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0740; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00775-R; Amendment 39-23022; AD 2025-09-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
AGENCY:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION:
Final rule; request for comments.
SUMMARY:
[top] The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited (BTCL)
DATES:
This AD is effective May 13, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 13, 2025.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by June 12, 2025.
ADDRESSES:
You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov . Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: (202) 493-2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0740; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
• 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 wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/cawis-swimn/ad_qs1.aspx.
• You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0740.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michael Yeshiambel, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946-4133; email: michael.m.yeshiambel@faa.gov .
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES . Include "Docket No. FAA-2025-0740; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00775-R" at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to regulations.gov , including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this final rule.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as "PROPIN." The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Michael Yeshiambel, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Transport Canada AD CF-2024-44, dated December 19, 2024 (Transport Canada AD CF-2024-44) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition on certain serial-numbered BTCL Model 505 helicopters.
The MCAI states that BTCL was made aware of possible harness chafing in certain locations between basic and supplemental helicopter wiring and the structure. Potential fouling occurs under the floor starting at the forward canted bulkhead station (STA) 65 to the aft bulkhead at STA 180, including all structural frames and areas in between (STA 65, 82, 98, 109, 127, 146, 155, and 180). Chafing of the subject wiring could lead to a short to ground, which would command the engine to idle and could result in loss of control of the helicopter. The MCAI also states that the AD is considered an interim action and further AD action will follow once a final corrective action has been released by BTCL. The MCAI requires repetitively inspecting the wire harnesses at specified locations for damage, and if any wire damage is found, repairing the damaged wire/bundles as specified in Transport Canada AD CF-2024-44. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0740.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Transport Canada AD CF-2024-44, which specifies procedures for repetitively inspecting the wire harnesses at certain locations for damage, and if any wire damage is found, repairing the damaged wire/bundles. This material is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
[top] These products have been approved by the aviation authority of another country and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Requirements of This AD
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the MCAI already described, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, Transport Canada AD CF-2024-44 is incorporated by reference in this AD. This AD requires compliance with Transport Canada AD CF-2024-44 in its entirety through that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. Material required by Transport Canada AD CF-2024-44 for compliance will be available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0740 after this AD is published.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. The manufacturer is currently developing a terminating action that will address the unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once the modification is developed, approved, and available, the FAA might consider additional rulemaking.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective Date
Section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq. ) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for rules when the agency, for "good cause," finds that those procedures are "impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest." Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, upon a finding of good cause.
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because chafing of the subject wiring could lead to a short to ground, which could cause the engine to idle in-flight and could lead to loss of control of the helicopter. Because this situation can happen at any time and without warning, an inspection is necessary within 50 hours time-in-service or 30 days, whichever occurs first. This compliance time is shorter than the time necessary for the public to comment and for publication of the final rule. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b).
In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and comment.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 174 helicopters of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
| Action | Labor cost | Parts cost | Cost per product | Cost on U.S. operators |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inspection of wire harness for damage | 8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680 per inspection cycle | $0 | $680 per inspection cycle | $118,320 per inspection cycle. |
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary repairs that would be required based on the results of the inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of helicopters that might need this repair:
| Action | Labor cost | Parts cost | Cost per product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repair auto flight-wire harness | 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 | $0 | $85 |
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
[top] For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39-AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority:
49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§?39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends §?39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2025-09-01 Bell Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-23022; Docket No. FAA-2025-0740; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00775-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 13, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters, certificated in any category, as identified in Transport Canada AD CF-2024-44, dated December 19, 2024 (Transport Canada AD CF-2024-44).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 2200, Auto Flight System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of possible chafing in certain locations between the basic and supplemental helicopter wiring and the structure. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent fouling in the helicopter wiring and the structure. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in a short to ground, which would command the engine to idle and could lead to 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 paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, Transport Canada AD CF-2024-44.
(h) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF-2024-44
(1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2024-44 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2024-44 refers to hours airtime, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where the material referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2024-44 states to contact Bell Product Support Engineering if the fouling condition cannot be rectified, this AD requires contacting the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; Transport Canada; or Bell Textron Canada Limited's Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.
(i) Alternative Method of Compliance
The following provisions also apply to this AD.
(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 (j) 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.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Michael Yeshiambel, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946-4133; email: michael.m.yeshiambel@faa.gov.
(k) 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-2024-44, dated December 19, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Transport Canada AD CF-2024-44 material identified in this AD, contact Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0N5, Canada; telephone (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 wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/cawis-swimn/ad_qs1.aspx.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 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 April 21, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-07274 Filed 4-23-25; 4:15 pm]
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