Rule2025-19785
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
November 5, 2025
Effective
November 20, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-06- 51, which applied to certain Bell Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 505 helicopters. AD 2025-06-51 required removing all ballast weights from the aft movable ballast box assembly and prohibited the use of ballast weights within the aft movable ballast box assembly. Since the FAA issued AD 2025-06-51, Bell has developed a modification to the ballast box door assembly and the FAA has determined that the new actions would terminate the requirements of AD 2025-06-51. This AD requires installing the modification to the aft movable ballast box door assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 212 (Wednesday, November 5, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 212 (Wednesday, November 5, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49248-49251]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-19785]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-3996; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01201-R;
Amendment 39-23181; AD 2025-22-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-06-
51, which applied to certain Bell Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model
505 helicopters. AD 2025-06-51 required removing all ballast weights
from the aft movable ballast box assembly and prohibited the use of
ballast weights within the aft movable ballast box assembly. Since the
FAA issued AD 2025-06-51, Bell has developed a modification to the
ballast box door assembly and the FAA has determined that the new
actions would terminate the requirements of AD 2025-06-51. This AD
requires installing the modification to the aft movable ballast box
door assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective November 20, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 20,
2025.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by December 22, 2025.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> 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.
<bullet> 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 <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-3996; 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:
<bullet> 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7f2b3c513e160d08100d0b1716111a0c0c3b160d1a1c0b16091a0c523c10110c1618111a0c1b1a111e0916181e1d1613160b1a512b3c3f0b1c51181c511c1e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="92c6d1bcd3fbe0e5fde0e6fafbfcf7e1e1d6fbe0f7f1e6fbe4f7e1bfd1fdfce1fbf5fcf7e1f6f7fcf3e4fbf5f3f0fbfefbe6f7bcc6d1d2e6f1bcf5f1bcf1f3">[email protected]</span></a>. You may view this material on the
Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/aviation.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, 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
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2025-3996.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kurt Ladendorf, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (817) 222-5254; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ee859b9c9ac08ac0828f8a8b808a819c88ae888f8fc0898198"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="deb5abacaaf0baf0b2bfbabbb0bab1acb89eb8bfbff0b9b1a8">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments
about this final rule. Send your comments using a method listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-3996; Project
Identifier MCAI-2025-01201-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.
[[Page 49249]]
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
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, 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 Kurt
Ladendorf, 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
The FAA issued AD 2025-06-51, Amendment 39-23007 (90 FR 15310,
April 10, 2025) (AD 2025-06-51), which was originally published as an
Emergency AD dated March 21, 2025, for Bell Model 505 helicopters,
serial numbers 65011 and subsequent with ballast kit part number (P/N)
SLS-706-201-007 installed. AD 2025-06-51 was prompted by an MCAI
originated by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for
Canada. Transport Canada issued Emergency AD CF-2025-17, dated March
19, 2025, (Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2025-17) to correct an
unsafe condition identified as deformation and improper pin engagement
in the knuckles of the door hinge on the aft movable ballast box
assembly, which could allow the ballast weights to escape the ballast
box and strike the tail rotor assembly. AD 2025-06-51 required removing
all ballast weights from the aft movable ballast box assembly and
prohibited the use of ballast weights within the aft movable ballast
box assembly. The FAA issued AD 2025-06-51 to prevent damage and
departure of tail rotor blades, loss of tail rotor thrust, and severe
vibrations. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
loss of control of the helicopter.
Actions Since AD 2025-06-51 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2025-06-51, Transport Canada superseded
Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2025-17 and issued Transport Canada AD
CF-2025-35, dated July 4, 2025 (Transport Canada AD 2025-35) (also
referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states the manufacturer has
developed a modification to the ballast box door assembly which
provides a terminating action for the prohibition from using ballast
weights within the aft movable ballast box assembly. Also, the MCAI
corrects an error in the ballast kit part number in the applicability
section. The correct part number for the movable ballast kit is P/N
SLS-706-201-001, instead of the aft movable ballast box assembly P/N
SLS-706-201-007.
The preamble to AD 2025-06-51 explained that the FAA considered the
requirements ``interim action'' and was considering further rulemaking.
The FAA has now determined that further rulemaking is indeed necessary,
and this AD follows from that determination.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-3996.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Transport Canada AD CF 2025-35, which specifies
procedures for removing all ballast weights (P/N SLS-706-201-001) from
the aft movable ballast box assembly (P/N SLS-706-201-007) and
prohibits the use of ballast weights within the aft movable ballast box
assembly. Transport Canada AD CF2025-35 also specifies installing a
modification to the hinge of the aft movable ballast box door, by
including a longer two-inch hinge assembly and adjusting the thickness
of the rubber pad of the door assembly, which constitutes a terminating
action for the prohibition of using ballast weights within the aft
movable ballast box assembly.
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
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
(CAA) 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 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.
AD Requirements
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified Transport
Canada CF-2025-35, described previously, as incorporated by reference,
except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory
text of this AD. This includes requiring the actions of AD 2025-06-51
until the terminating action is done. The owner/operator (pilot)
holding at least a private pilot certificate may revise the existing
rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) by inserting the flight manual
supplement, which contains procedures when the Movable Ballast Kit
(SLS-706-201) is installed, and must enter compliance with the
applicable paragraph(s) of the AD into the helicopter maintenance
records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The
pilot may perform these actions because they only involve revising the
existing RFM for the helicopter. These actions could be performed
equally well by a pilot or a mechanic. This is an exception to the
FAA's standard maintenance regulations.
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 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-2025-35 is
incorporated by reference in this AD. This AD requires compliance with
Transport Canada AD CF-2025-35 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-2025-35 for compliance will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-3996 after this AD is published.
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
[[Page 49250]]
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 ballast weights escaping the ballast box have a high potential
of striking the tail rotor assembly, which could result in damage and
departure of tail rotor blades, loss of tail rotor thrust, and severe
vibrations; these conditions will result in loss of control of the
helicopter. Installing the modification is required to restore the full
function of the helicopter and allow the safe usage of ballast weights.
The FAA is mandating this fix because it is essential for ensuring the
safety of all operations and to fully address the unsafe condition on
these helicopters. Additionally, the compliance time in this AD 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 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:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remove ballast weights from service...... .5 work-hour x $85 per hour $0 $43 $7,482
= $43.
Modify ballast box....................... 2.5 work-hours x $85 per 300 513 89,262
hour = $213.
Revise the RFM........................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour 0 85 14,790
= $85.
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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, 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
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2025-06-51, Amendment 39-23007 (90
FR 15310, April 10, 2025); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2025-22-03 Bell Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-23181; Docket
No. FAA-2025-3996; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01201-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 20,
2025.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2025-06-51, Amendment 39-23007 (90 FR 15310,
April 10, 2025).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505
helicopters, certificated in any category, as identified in
Transport Canada AD CF-2025-35, dated July 4, 2025 (Transport Canada
AD CF-2025-35).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2500, Equipment/
Furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by deformation and improper pin engagement
in the knuckles of the door hinge on the aft movable ballast box
assembly, which could allow the ballast weights to escape the
ballast box and strike the tail rotor assembly. The FAA is issuing
this AD to prevent damage and departure of tail rotor blades, loss
of tail rotor thrust, and severe vibrations. The unsafe condition,
if not addressed, could result in loss of control of the helicopter.
[[Page 49251]]
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) 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-2025-35.
(2) For this AD, the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a
private pilot certificate may revise the existing rotorcraft flight
manual (RFM) for the helicopter by inserting the applicable flight
manual supplement into the RFM and must enter compliance into the
helicopter maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and
91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR
91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
(h) Exception to Transport Canada AD CF-2025-35
(1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2025-35 refers to its effective
date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2025-35 refers to air time,
this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(i) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(j) 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 (k) of
this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e5a4a8aaa6a5838484cb828a93"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="87c6cac8c4c7e1e6e6a9e0e8f1">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Kurt Ladendorf,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5254; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d0bba5a2a4feb4febcb1b4b5beb4bfa2b690b6b1b1feb7bfa6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2d46585f59034903414c49484349425f4b6d4b4c4c034a425b">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) 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-2025-35, dated July 4, 2025.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#77233459361e05001805031f1e19120404331e051214031e0112045a341819041e1019120413121916011e1016151e1b1e0312592334370314591014591416"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b5e1f69bf4dcc7c2dac7c1dddcdbd0c6c6f1dcc7d0d6c1dcc3d0c698f6dadbc6dcd2dbd0c6d1d0dbd4c3dcd2d4d7dcd9dcc1d09be1f6f5c1d69bd2d69bd6d4">[email protected]</span></a>. You may view this material on
the Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/aviation.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, 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 <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#781e0a5611160b081d1b0c1117163816190a19561f170e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="462034682f2835362325322f2928062827342768212930">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on October 31, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-19785 Filed 11-3-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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