Proposed Airworthiness Directive for Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The FAA proposes to supersede an existing Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters, requiring inspections and corrective actions for the vertical stabilizer top end cap assembly. This is in response to safety concerns over reported cracks in the assembly that could lead to severe operational hazards, including loss of helicopter control. The new directive introduces an improved design of the top end cap assembly and outlines requirements to replace existing parts with this new assembly to mitigate risks.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Introduction of a new one-piece vertical stabilizer machined top end cap assembly
- Requirement to replace existing assemblies with improved design
- Continuation of initial and recurring inspection requirements
Obligations
What this law requires
Perform initial and recurring detailed visual inspections of the vertical stabilizer top end cap assembly on Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters (serial numbers 65011 and subsequent, excluding those with improved design installed at production)
Replace vertical stabilizer top end cap assembly (P/N SLS-030-701-125) with improved design top end cap assembly (P/N SLS-704-701-101) to terminate recurring detailed visual inspections
Submit written comments on this proposed AD to the FAA by May 26, 2026, using procedures in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45 via regulations.gov, fax, mail, or hand delivery
Mark submissions containing Confidential Business Information with 'PROPIN' on each page and submit directly to Promita Dey, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, rather than to the public docket
Exclude Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters with serial numbers that have an improved design vertical stabilizer top end cap assembly installed at production from the inspection and replacement requirements