Bell Helicopters Must Ban Cracked Oil Valves for Safety
Published Date: 8/5/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly a Bell Model 427 helicopter, listen up! The FAA wants you to check your transmission oil check valves for cracks and leaks, and keep inspecting them regularly. If any valve is bad, you have to take it out and never put it back in. This keeps your helicopter safe and sound, with inspections starting as soon as the rule is final.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Required inspections of transmission valves
If you operate a Bell Model 427 helicopter, the FAA would require you to inspect and measure certain transmission oil check valves for cracks and leaks. These inspections must be done repeatedly as specified by the rule, with inspections starting as soon as the rule is final.
Remove and ban affected check valves
If an inspected check valve is cracked or leaking, you must remove it from service and you are prohibited from reinstalling or installing the affected check valves on any helicopter. The rule would require removal and prohibit future installation once it is final.
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Key Dates
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