FAA Wants Tighter Bolts on Bell 407 Helicopter Tails
Published Date: 7/15/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly Bell Model 407 helicopters, listen up! The FAA wants you to check your tailboom bolts more often, tighten them right, and swap out any worn parts to keep things safe. Plus, you’ll need to update your maintenance manual with new bolt life limits—all to stop bolts from breaking and keep your chopper flying strong. Comments on this plan are open until August 31, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
New repetitive inspections and fixes
If you operate a Bell Model 407 helicopter, the FAA proposes required repetitive inspections of the tailboom attachment structure, required torque inspections, and required replacement of attachment hardware when problems are found. The rule also makes a detailed inspection of the tail boom assembly and aft fuselage a terminating action to the repetitive inspections. The FAA says the proposal would affect 950 U.S.-registered helicopters and estimates a per-inspection labor cost of $170 (2 work-hours × $85/hour).
Potential repair and parts costs if defects found
If inspections find damage, the FAA lists on-condition replacement cost estimates: replacing hardware (labor 2 work-hours × $85/hour = $170; parts $340), replacing the aft fuselage bulkhead (12 work-hours × $85/hour = $1,020; parts $2,106), replacing aft fuselage upper longerons (35 work-hours × $85/hour = $2,975; parts $17,862), and replacing aft fuselage lower longerons (24 work-hours × $85/hour = $2,040; parts $8,397). The FAA says it cannot determine how many helicopters will need these repairs.
Ban on installing two longeron part numbers
The proposal prohibits installing upper-left longeron assembly part number 206-031-314-237B or part number 206-031-314-237S on any helicopter. If you maintain or repair affected Model 407 helicopters, you must not install those specific part numbers.
New life limit in maintenance manual
You must revise the helicopter maintenance manual's airworthiness limitations section (ALS) to incorporate a new life limit for the tail boom attachment bolts by adding Table 1 of the applicable ALS. The FAA estimates one work-hour to revise the ALS at $85 per helicopter, totaling $85 per product and $80,750 across the 950 U.S. helicopters.
Mechanic qualification for torque inspections
The proposed AD replaces 'torque checks' with 'torque inspections' to require that those actions be done by a mechanic who meets the requirements of 14 CFR part 65 subpart D. If you perform torque inspections, they must be done by a mechanic with the specified certification.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13440 — Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-14248 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Crown Point, IN
Starting October 29, 2026, the FAA is creating new Class E airspace around the Franciscan Health Crown Point Hospital Heliport in Crown Point, Indiana. This change helps pilots fly safely using instruments, especially in bad weather. If you fly helicopters or planes near this hospital, get ready for updated flight rules—no extra costs, just smoother skies!
2026-14205 — Amendment of Class D Airspace and Removal of Class E4 Airspace Over Nashua, NH
The FAA is updating the airspace rules over Nashua, NH by removing some unnecessary Class E airspace around Boire Field Airport and tweaking the Class D airspace wording to stay current. These changes take effect on October 29, 2026, and won’t cost anyone extra or cause delays. Pilots flying in and out of Nashua will notice clearer, simpler airspace rules that keep things safe and smooth.
2026-14281 — Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines
The FAA wants all Rolls-Royce Deutschland BR700-725A1-12 engines to follow new, stricter rules for checking and replacing parts that wear out over time. This means operators must update their maintenance plans to keep engines safe and sound. Comments on this proposal are open until August 31, 2026, so affected operators should act fast to avoid surprises and extra costs later.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-14208 — Reforming and Modernizing the NRC's Radiation Protection Framework
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission wants to update its rules on radiation safety to keep up with new science and technology since 1991. These changes affect anyone working with or around nuclear materials, aiming to make radiation protection clearer and stronger. You’ve got until August 31, 2026, to share your thoughts, and these updates could impact safety costs and procedures in the near future.
Next: 2026-14260 — Air Plan Approval; Missouri; Control of NOX Emissions From Large Stationary Internal Combustion Engines
The EPA wants to approve updates to Missouri’s rules for big stationary engines that release nitrogen oxides (NOX), a harmful air pollutant. These updates simplify reporting, add clear definitions, remove confusing rules, and exempt some spark-ignited engines. If you’re involved with these engines, get ready for smoother rules and make sure to share your thoughts by August 14, 2026!