Cracking Bolts Ground Bell Helicopters: FAA Demands Quick Fixes
Published Date: 6/23/2025
Rule
Summary
If you fly a Bell Textron Canada Model 407 or 427 helicopter, listen up! The FAA found some main rotor blade bolts might crack because they weren’t treated right. You’ll need to swap out these bolts for safe ones ASAP to keep flying safely and avoid any trouble.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Bell 407/427 Bolt Replacement Required
If you own or operate a Bell Textron Canada Model 407 or Model 427 helicopter, the FAA requires removing certain expandable main rotor blade bolts from service and replacing them with parts eligible for installation. The FAA issued this rule because the bolts may not have received correct heat treatment and could develop stress corrosion cracking.
Installing Affected Bolts Now Prohibited
The directive prohibits installing an affected expandable blade bolt on any helicopter. That means operators and maintenance personnel may not reinstall or fit the specified bolts back into service.
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