Bell Helicopters' Lockwire Mishaps: FAA Proposes Inspection and Replacement Rules
Published Date: 11/24/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants Bell Model 429 helicopter owners to check a special lockwire on a key control part because some were put on wrong. If the lockwire isn’t right, it must be fixed before flying again. This keeps helicopters safe and avoids costly problems down the line. Comments on this plan are open until January 8, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory inspection and fix before flight
If you operate a Bell Model 429 helicopter (serial numbers 57001 and subsequent) with SCAS actuator P/N 429-001-065-107, -109, or -111, the FAA would require a one-time inspection of the lockwire on the SCAS actuator jam nut and, if incorrectly installed, removal and correct installation of a new lockwire before further flight. The FAA estimates the inspection costs $128 per helicopter (1.5 work-hours at $85/hour) and that 101 U.S.-registered helicopters are affected (total estimated inspection cost $12,928); on-condition replacement lockwire is estimated at $43 per product. The FAA incorporated Transport Canada AD CF-2025-16 (dated March 17, 2025) as the required compliance document.
Installation ban on affected SCAS actuators
The proposed AD would prohibit installing an affected SCAS actuator assembly (P/N 429-001-065-107, -109, or -111 on Model 429 serial numbers 57001 and subsequent) unless certain requirements in Transport Canada AD CF-2025-16 are met. Also, special flight permits are prohibited under the proposed AD.
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