Federal Register #FAA-2025-3436

FAA Airworthiness Directives for Bell 407 and Diamond DA 42 Aircraft: Inspection and Maintenance Requirements

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, has issued airworthiness directives targeting specific safety concerns for Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 407 helicopters and Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Model DA 42 series airplanes. - Government Buyer: - Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Certification Service - OEMs Highlighted: - Bell Textron Canada Limited (Model 407 helicopters) - Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH (Model DA 42 series airplanes) - Products/Services Requested: - For Bell 407 helicopters: - Pilot cyclic stick tube assembly (part numbers 206001342101 and 206001342101FM) - Approximately 972 helicopters affected - Repetitive inspections required for fatigue cracking - Conditional repair or replacement if cracks are found - For Diamond DA 42 airplanes: - Nose landing gear hydraulic actuator rod end - Repetitive inspections and replacement to prevent uncommanded rudder deflection - Notable Requirements: - Mandatory repetitive inspections every 6 months or 300 flight hours for affected Bell 407 helicopters - Immediate repair or replacement of pilot cyclic stick tube assemblies if cracks are detected - Revision of flight manual and ongoing maintenance actions for Diamond DA 42 aircraft - Focus is on maintenance and safety compliance, not procurement of new aircraft - No direct procurement of new products; the directive mandates maintenance actions for existing fleets.

Description

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 407 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a fractured pilot cyclic stick tube and findings of other tubes with fatigue cracking. It requires repetitive inspections of the pilot cyclic stick tube assembly for cracks and mandates repair or replacement depending on inspection results. The directive aims to address the unsafe condition caused by fatigue cracking in these helicopter components.

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