Rule2026-06369
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
April 1, 2026
Effective
April 16, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 505 helicopters. The FAA previously sent this AD as an emergency AD to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters. This AD was prompted by a failure of the hinge assembly on the aft movable ballast box assembly, which could allow the ballast weights to escape the ballast box and strike the tail rotor assembly. This AD requires revising the Limitations section of the existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for the helicopter to prohibit the use of ballast weights within the aft movable ballast box 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 91 Issue 62 (Wednesday, April 1, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 62 (Wednesday, April 1, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16160-16162]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-06369]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-3472; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00217-R;
Amendment 39-23306; AD 2026-05-51]
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Bell Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 505 helicopters. The
FAA previously sent this AD as an emergency AD to all known U.S. owners
and operators of these helicopters. This AD was prompted by a failure
of the hinge assembly on the aft movable ballast box assembly, which
could allow the ballast weights to escape the ballast box and strike
the tail rotor assembly. This AD requires revising the Limitations
section of the existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for the
helicopter to prohibit the use of ballast weights within the aft
movable ballast box assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 16, 2026. Emergency AD 2026-05-51,
issued on March 6, 2026, which contained the requirements of this
amendment, was effective with actual notice.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by May 18, 2026.
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-2026-3472; 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kurt Landendorf, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (817) 222-5254; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#52392720267c367c3e3336373c363d2034123433337c353d24"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bfd4cacdcb91db91d3dedbdad1dbd0cdd9ffd9dede91d8d0c9">[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 to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2026-3472; Project Identifier MCAI-
2026-00217-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
<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
[[Page 16161]]
will not be placed in the public docket of this AD. Submissions
containing CBI should be sent to Kurt Landendorf, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590. Any
commentary that the FAA receives that is not specifically designated as
CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA issued Emergency AD 2026-05-51, dated March 6, 2026 (also
referred to as the emergency AD), to address an unsafe condition on
Bell Model 505 helicopters, serial numbers 65011 and subsequent with
ballast box assembly part number (P/N) SLS-706-201-207 or P/N SLS-706-
201-207FM installed. The FAA sent the emergency AD to all known U.S.
owners and operators of these helicopters. The emergency AD requires
revising the Limitations section of the existing RFM for the helicopter
to prohibit the use of ballast weights within the aft movable ballast
box assembly P/N SLS-706-201-207 or P/N SLS-706-201-207FM.
The emergency AD was prompted by Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-
2026-12, dated March 3, 2026 (Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2026-12)
(also referred to as the MCAI), issued by Transport Canada, which is
the aviation authority for Canada. The MCAI states that Bell has
discovered possible plastic deformation and improper pin engagement in
the knuckles of the door hinge on the aft movable ballast box assembly.
Bell stated there was a failure of the current hinge assembly P/N SLS-
706-201-169, which was found during a post flight inspection. Ballast
weights escaping the ballast box have a high potential of striking the
tail rotor assembly.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent damage to and/or departure of
tail rotor blades, loss of tail rotor thrust, and severe vibrations.
Any of these conditions, if not addressed, will lead to loss of control
of the helicopter.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-3472.
FAA's Determination
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 described 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 revising the Limitations section of the existing
RFM for the helicopter to prohibit the use of the ballast weights
within the aft movable ballast box assembly P/N SLS-706-201-207 or SLS-
706-201-207FM.
The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot
certificate may revise the existing RFM for the helicopter and must
enter compliance into the helicopter maintenance records in accordance
with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The pilot may perform this
action because it only involves revising the RFM, which could be
performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic. This is an exception
to the FAA's standard maintenance regulations.
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 required the immediate adoption of
Emergency AD 2026-05-51 issued on March 6, 2026, to all known U.S.
owners and operators of these helicopters. The FAA found that the risk
to the flying public justified waiving 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 to and/or departure of tail rotor blades, loss of tail
rotor thrust, and severe vibrations; these conditions will result in
loss of control of the helicopter. In addition, this AD requires
revising the existing RFM for the helicopter before further flight.
This compliance time is shorter than the time necessary for the public
to comment and for the publication of the final rule. These conditions
still exist, therefore, 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.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. If final
action is later identified, the FAA might consider additional
rulemaking.
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
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Revise the RFM........................ 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $14,790
hour = $85.
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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
[[Page 16162]]
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2026-05-51 Bell Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-23306; Docket
No. FAA-2026-3472; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00217-R.
(a) Effective Date
The FAA issued emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2026-05-51
on March 6, 2026 (also referred to as the emergency AD), directly to
affected owners and operators. As a result of such actual notice,
the emergency AD was effective for those owners and operators on the
date it was received. This AD contains the same requirements as the
emergency AD and, for those who did not receive actual notice, is
effective on April 16, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505
helicopters, certificated in any category, serial numbers 65011 and
subsequent, with ballast box assembly part number (P/N) SLS-706-201-
207 or P/N SLS-706-201-207FM installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2500, Equipment/
furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a failure of the hinge assembly 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 to and/or
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.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Before further flight, revise the Limitations section of the
existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for the helicopter by
inserting the following text: ``the use of the ballast weights
within the aft movable ballast box assembly P/N SLS-706-201-207 or
SLS-706-201-207FM, is prohibited.''
(1) Inserting a copy of this AD into the Limitations section of
the RFM satisfies the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.
(2) For this AD, the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a
private pilot certificate may revise the existing RFM for the
helicopter 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) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and
21.199, are not allowed.
(i) 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 (j) of
this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4d0c00020e0d2b2c2c632a223b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="60212d2f23200601014e070f16">[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.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Kurt Landendorf,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5254; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#87ecf2f5f3a9e3a9ebe6e3e2e9e3e8f5e1c7e1e6e6a9e0e8f1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7e150b0c0a501a50121f1a1b101a110c183e181f1f50191108">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on March 30, 2026.
Christopher R. Parker,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-06369 Filed 3-31-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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