SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain BTCL Model 407 helicopters. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on February 3, 2026 (91 FR 4857). The NPRM was prompted by Transport Canada AD CF-2025-22, dated April 23, 2025, (Transport Canada AD CF-2025-22) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada. The MCAI states that chafing could occur between the primary flight display/multi-function display harnesses and the cable harness protection system rack and could also occur between the electrical harnesses and the shroud behind the instrument panel area. This condition, if not addressed, could result in smoke or fire in the cockpit and loss of control of the helicopter.

In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time detailed visual inspection of the electrical harnesses for chafing and corrective actions if necessary. In the NPRM, the FAA also proposed to require rotation of the backshell cast housing of connectors of the lower engine airframe unit and installation of a wire harness bracket and support, and for certain helicopters, installation of a wire bundle sleeve.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2026-0736.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the costs.

Conclusion

These products have been approved by the civil 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, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

The FAA reviewed Transport Canada AD CF-2025-22, which specifies procedures for performing a detailed visual inspection of the electrical harnesses located behind the instrument panel for chafing and, depending on the inspection results, repairing damaged parts (chafed electrical harnesses) and performing further inspections; rotating the backshell cast housing; and installing the wire harness bracket and support. This material also specifies procedures for installing a sleeve to cover the wire bundle for certain helicopters without a sleeve installed on the wire bundle.

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.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 333 helicopters of U.S. registry.

The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: ( printed page 29889)

The FAA estimates the following cost to do any repair 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:

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.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:

(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866,

(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and

(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

The Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: