Helicopters Must Check Cracked Tail Pedals Now, FAA Says
Published Date: 9/5/2025
Rule
Summary
If you fly certain MD Helicopters, the FAA wants you to check your tail rotor pedal support brackets often because some have been cracking. If you find cracks or damage, you’ll need to fix or replace the parts right away. This keeps your helicopter safe and flying smoothly, with inspections and fixes happening on a regular schedule.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Required recurring inspections
If you fly certain MD Helicopters (Model 369 series, 500N, and 600N listed in the rule), the FAA requires you to repetitively inspect specific part-numbered tail rotor pedal support brackets because some have been cracking. You must follow the inspection schedule in the directive whenever it applies to your aircraft.
Fix or replace damaged parts
If inspection finds cracks or other damage to the specified tail rotor pedal support brackets, you must immediately repair by refinishing any exposed areas or replace the bracket, as required by the directive. These required repairs or replacements must be done before returning the helicopter to service.
Ban on installing certain brackets
The AD prohibits installing certain part-numbered tail rotor pedal support brackets identified in the directive. If you need to replace a bracket, you cannot install the prohibited part-numbers and must use an approved alternative.
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