FAA Calls for Tail Rotor Washer Check on Bell 505 Helicopters
Published Date: 4/23/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly or fix Bell Textron Canada Model 505 helicopters, listen up! The FAA wants you to check a tiny washer on the tail rotor’s pitch link to make sure it’s installed right. This quick inspection could save you from bigger problems later, and you need to act before June 8, 2026. It’s a simple fix that keeps your helicopter safe without breaking the bank.
Free Policy Watch
New rules are filed every week. Most people never see them.
Pick a topic. PRIA watches every federal rule and tells you when one hits your household.
Pick a topic to get started
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
One-time tail-rotor washer inspection
If you operate or maintain Bell Textron Canada Model 505 helicopters, you must perform a one-time visual inspection of the washer (part number 206-010-795-105) on the tail rotor pitch link assembly. Depending on the inspection results, you must either reassemble the pitch link assembly and washer or remove and replace the pitch link assembly, tail rotor pitch horn, packings, and conical washer to address an installation quality escape that could lead to fracture and loss of directional control.
Estimated U.S. fleet and compliance costs
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 10 U.S.-registered Model 505 helicopters. The agency estimates the one-time inspection is 1 work-hour at $85 per helicopter ($85 per product). If replacements are required, parts plus 4 work-hours are estimated (parts $4,396; labor $340) with a cost per product shown up to $9,472; reassembly if applicable is estimated at $85.
Special flight permits prohibited
The proposed AD states that special flight permits under 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 are not allowed for the affected helicopters, meaning you cannot legally operate a special flight permit to ferry or fly the helicopter until required actions are completed.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in