FAA Orders Crack Checks on Bell Helicopter Control Sticks
Published Date: 11/18/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants Bell Model 407 helicopter owners to regularly check the pilot cyclic stick tube for cracks because some have broken or shown signs of wear. If cracks are found, the stick tube must be fixed or replaced to keep flying safe. Comments on this plan are open until January 2, 2026, and these inspections might cost some time and money but keep pilots safe.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory inspections and fixes for Model 407
If you own or operate a Bell Model 407 helicopter with pilot cyclic stick tube part number 206-001-342-101 or 206-001-342-101FM, the FAA would require repetitive inspections of the pilot cyclic stick tube assembly for cracks and, if cracks are found, repair or replacement before further flight. The rule incorporates Transport Canada AD CF-2024-18 by reference and applies to all serial-numbered Model 407 helicopters with those part numbers.
Recurring inspection rule for high-hours assemblies
If a pilot cyclic stick tube assembly has accumulated 3,600 or more hours time-in-service, you must perform a detailed inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed every 300 hours time-in-service or every 6 months, whichever occurs first. The FAA added this repetitive-inspection requirement to address high loading during hydraulic-off training and emergency procedures.
Estimated compliance costs and fleet size affected
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 944 Model 407 helicopters on the U.S. registry. The agency estimates an initial inspection at up to 4 work‑hours (4 × $85/hr = $340) per helicopter and gives example on‑condition costs: repair labor 6 work‑hours ($510), repetitive inspection 2 work‑hours ($170) per inspection, and full replacement estimated at $1,714 (2 work‑hours = $170 plus parts $1,544).
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.
2026-16803, Notice of Availability, Notice of Public Comment Period and Request for Comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) and FAA Order 1050.1G, FAA National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures, the FAA is announcing the availability of and requesting comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America (Draft EA).
2026-16795, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737 -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of nuisance stick shaker activation while accelerating to cruise speed at the top of a climb due to frozen angle of airflow (AOA) sensor vanes. This proposed AD would require installing new external case heaters (ECHs) on the left and right AOA sensors, performing repetitive functional tests and applicable corrective actions, and accomplishing applicable concurrent actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-16804, Establishment of Class E Airspace; Trading Bay Production Airport, Trading Bay, AK
This action proposes to establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Trading Bay Production Airport, Trading Bay, AK. This action would support the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20089, Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Engines
If you fly planes with certain General Electric CF34 engines, heads up! The FAA wants to update the engine’s computer software because some engines showed warning messages caused by corrosion. This fix will keep flights safer and must be done soon, with comments on the plan due by January 2, 2026.
Next: 2025-20091, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
The FAA wants all owners of certain Airbus AS-350 helicopters to check a specific cargo hook for safety gaps and replace it if needed. They also want to stop anyone from putting the faulty cargo hooks on helicopters in the future. Comments on this safety check must be sent by January 2, 2026, and fixing or replacing parts might cost some money but keeps flights safe and sound.