Bell Helicopter Owners: Check Those Lockwires or Risk a Spin
Published Date: 3/20/2026
Rule
Summary
If you own or operate Bell Model 429 helicopters, listen up! The FAA found some lockwires on a key control part might be installed wrong, which could be unsafe. Starting April 24, 2026, you’ll need to inspect and fix these lockwires if needed, and follow new rules before installing certain parts—so plan for some checks and possible repairs soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory SCAS Lockwire Inspection
If you own or operate Bell Model 429 helicopters (serial numbers 57001 and subsequent) with SCAS actuator P/N 429-001-065-107, -109, or -111, you must inspect the lockwire installation on the SCAS actuator jam nut starting April 24, 2026. The FAA estimates the inspection takes 1.5 work-hours at $85/hour = $128 per helicopter and estimates 101 U.S.-registered helicopters are affected (total estimated cost $12,928).
Required Lockwire Replacement If Wrong
If the inspection finds the lockwire is incorrectly installed on the SCAS actuator jam nut, you must remove the incorrect lockwire and install a new lockwire correctly in the required direction per Transport Canada AD CF-2025-16. The FAA estimates the on-condition repair takes 0.5 work-hours at $85/hour = $43 per helicopter for the corrective action.
Installation of Affected Actuators Prohibited
Starting April 24, 2026, the AD prohibits installing an affected SCAS actuator assembly (for the specified P/Ns) unless certain requirements specified in Transport Canada AD CF-2025-16 are met. Operators and maintainers must follow those requirements before installing the affected assemblies.
Special Flight Permits Prohibited
The AD explicitly prohibits special flight permits for affected helicopters as of April 24, 2026, so operators cannot use special flight permits to operate affected helicopters pending compliance with this AD.
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