FAA's Red Paint Hack: Spotting Loose Helicopter Bits the Easy Way
Published Date: 6/25/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly an Airbus EC120B helicopter, the FAA wants you to keep checking the tail rotor hub for safety, just like before. Now, they’re adding a cool red paint mark to help spot any loose parts, which means fewer inspections once it’s done. These changes keep your helicopter safe and sound, and you’ll need to act on them soon to avoid any trouble.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Continue Tail Rotor Hub Inspections
If you operate an Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B, you must keep performing repetitive inspections of the tail rotor (TR) hub body as required by AD 2021-26-07. Those inspections can require replacing certain parts, removing from service any bolt, washer, and nut on the TR hub body at specified life limits and replacing them with airworthy parts, and may restrict installation of certain part-numbered TR hub bodies unless requirements are met.
Add Red Paint Mark As Fix
The proposed rule would require modifying the link of the TR hub body and the splined flange by adding red paint marks to help detect any loss of tightening torque. Completing this modification is a terminating action for the repetitive inspections required under the existing AD.
Inspect Red Paint Line Alignment
After adding the red paint mark, the proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the red paint line that was added to the link of the TR hub body to check for alignment. These inspections are required even after the modification.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-16954, Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines AG Engines
The FAA is requiring certain International Aero Engines AG models to replace some 3rd stage high pressure compressor blades because they can wear out and break, which is unsafe. This rule starts on September 24, 2026, and affects airlines using these engines. Fixing this might cost some money but keeps flights safe and sound.
2026-17056, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that large forward cargo door (LFCD) split frames may have been manufactured with a material that did not conform to type design. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the LFCD split frames for affected batch numbers and applicable on- condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-16961, Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-13-11, which applies to all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. AD 2025-13-11 requires replacing the affected spoiler electrical units (SPECUs) and prohibits the installation of affected parts. Since the FAA issued AD 2025-13-11, it was determined that additional SPECUs are subject to the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would continue to require the actions in AD 2025-13-11 and would require replacing additional SPECUs. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of affected parts. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-11690, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA wants to check certain Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 planes because some cargo barrier parts might be made from the wrong metal. They’re asking for special tests to make sure the parts are safe and to fix any problems found. This helps keep flights safe without causing big delays or costs.
Next: 2025-11711, Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; 2025-2027 Atlantic Herring Fishery Specifications
Starting in 2025, new fishing limits for Atlantic herring and river herring will help protect fish populations and support rebuilding efforts through 2027. These changes affect fishermen in the Northeastern U.S. and aim to keep fishing sustainable while meeting updated science goals. The plan updates when the herring stock should be fully rebuilt, ensuring a healthy fishery for the future.