FAA Orders Tail-Rotor Checks or Helicopters May Spin Out
Published Date: 6/4/2026
Rule
Summary
If you fly certain helicopters, the FAA wants you to check some parts regularly to avoid losing control of the tail rotor. Starting July 9, 2026, pilots and maintenance crews must inspect, test, and update manuals to keep these helicopters safe. These steps might cost some time and money but will keep flights smooth and secure.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.
New 30,000‑Hour Life Limit and Records
Within 10 hours time-in-service from July 9, 2026 you must determine and record the remaining life of the yaw pedal damper check valve housing (part S6165-61517). You must remove that housing from service and replace it before it reaches 30,000 total hours TIS or within 60 days after July 9, 2026, whichever is later, and incorporate a 30,000-hour service life limit into maintenance records within 30 days.
Fluorescent Inspection and 15‑Hour Checks
Within 150 hours TIS or 4 months after July 9, 2026, whichever occurs first, you must perform a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of the yaw pedal damper check valve housing. If cracks are found you must replace the housing and bolts before further flight. After that FPI, you must perform repetitive visual inspections every 15 hours TIS.
Daily Preflight Inspection Requirement
If you operate any of the listed helicopter models, starting July 9, 2026 you must, before the first flight each day, inspect lockwire and visually inspect the auxiliary servo assembly for hydraulic leaks, cracks, missing or loose lockwire, and compromised bolt security. If you find hydraulic leakage, cracked housings, or compromised bolts, you must replace the yaw pedal damper check valve housing and associated attachment bolts with serviceable parts before further flight.
No Special Flight Permits Allowed
Special flight permits are prohibited under this AD. You may not fly affected helicopters under a special flight permit to move them for maintenance or other purposes while subject to this AD.
No Parts Return or Reporting Required
Although the Sikorsky service bulletin specifies submitting information or returning affected parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not require submitting reports or returning parts. You are not required by this AD to send parts back or submit those specific reports.
No Alternative Life‑Limit Actions Allowed
After you incorporate the new 30,000-hour service life limit into maintenance records, the AD prohibits using alternative actions or intervals, including different life limits. You must follow the AD's required thresholds and intervals.
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