FAA Orders Helicopter Owners to Swap Wrong Tail-Cone Stickers
Published Date: 6/22/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants Bell Model 505 helicopter owners to check if their tail cone assembly has the right part number on its ID plate. If it’s wrong, they’ll need to swap the plate for a correct one and update the helicopter’s records. This fix helps keep flights safe and must be done soon, with comments on the plan due by August 6, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Safety Risk from Incorrect ID Plate
The FAA says some tail cone assembly identification plates on certain tail cone assemblies (P/N SLS-030-600-007 and P/N SLS-030-600-009) contain an incorrect part number, which could cause the part to be treated as having unlimited life. If not corrected, this could lead to non-replacement within the published life limit, fatigue cracking of the tailboom, and possible loss of control of the helicopter.
Inspect and Replace Tail Cone ID Plate
If you operate a Bell Model 505 helicopter, you must verify the tail cone assembly identification plate part number and, if it is incorrect, replace the identification plate with one showing the correct part number and update the helicopter's log card or equivalent record. This requirement implements Transport Canada AD CF-2026-01 (dated January 26, 2026) and is the action proposed by the FAA in this NPRM (comments due August 6, 2026).
FAA Estimated Compliance Costs
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 182 U.S.-registered Model 505 helicopters. The agency estimates the verification action at 1 work-hour ($85) per helicopter for a total estimated cost on U.S. operators of $15,470. The FAA also lists on-condition labor costs of 2 work-hours ($170) to replace the identification plate and 1 work-hour ($85) to update the log card, but it cannot determine how many helicopters will need that replacement.
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