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 Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 22, 2026 (91 FR 37057). The NPRM was prompted by Transport Canada AD CF-2026-01, dated January 12, 2026 (Transport Canada AD CF-2026-01) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada. The MCAI states that there are reports that the identification plate affixed to some Bell 505 helicopter tail cone assemblies (P/N SLS-030-600-007 and P/N SLS-030-600-009) mistakenly contains an incorrect P/N. The MCAI further states that the tail cone assembly is subject to a life limit published in the Airworthiness Limitations Schedule, and if the P/N on the identification plate remains uncorrected, it could be incorrectly determined that the tail cone assembly has an unlimited airworthiness life. If the tail cone assembly is not replaced because of the incorrect identification plate, it could lead to fatigue cracking of the tailboom and loss of control of the helicopter.

In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require verifying the tail cone assembly part number and, if necessary, replacing the incorrect tail cone assembly identification plate with a new tail cone assembly identification plate containing the correct P/N and updating the existing log book or equivalent record for the helicopter. 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-2026-4658.

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-2026-01, which specifies procedures for verifying and, if necessary, replacing the tail cone assembly identification plate with a new plate marked with the correct part number. 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 would affect 182 helicopters of U.S. registry.

The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

The FAA estimates the following costs to do any replacement that will be required based on the results of the inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of helicopters that might need this replacement. ( printed page 58816)

The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected operators.

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: