Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
Published Date: 2/3/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own or fly certain Bell Textron Canada Model 407 helicopters, the FAA wants you to check your electrical wiring for wear and fix any problems. They also want you to rotate some connector parts and add new supports to keep things safe. Comments on this plan are open until March 20, 2026, and these fixes help prevent electrical issues that could cause trouble mid-flight.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Required Inspections and Modifications
If you own or operate certain Bell Textron Canada Model 407 helicopters (serial numbers 54300–54752, 54805–54999, and 56300–56366 and 56368), the FAA would require a one-time detailed visual inspection of the electrical harnesses behind the instrument panel and corrective actions. The rule would also require rotating the backshell cast housing of specified connectors, installing a wire harness bracket and support, and (for some helicopters) installing a wire bundle sleeve. The FAA estimates this AD would affect 333 U.S.-registered helicopters and gives per-action cost estimates such as $680 per helicopter for the inspection, $85 per helicopter to install a sleeve, $85 to rotate a backshell, and $185 to secure the harness and install a bracket/support; the FAA estimates total U.S. operator costs of $226,440 for inspections, up to $28,305 for sleeve installs, up to $28,305 for backshell rotation, and $61,605 for securing harnesses and installing brackets/supports.
Special Flight Permits Prohibited
Under the proposed AD, special flight permits are explicitly prohibited for the affected helicopters. This means operators cannot rely on special flight authorizations to operate these helicopters while awaiting or performing the required inspections and modifications.
Estimated Repair Cost for Chafed Wiring
If the inspection finds chafed wiring that must be repaired, the FAA estimates the on-condition repair cost at $85 per helicopter (1 work-hour at $85 and parts cost listed as $0). The FAA did not estimate how many helicopters will require this repair.
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