FAA Wants Bell 429 Helicopters' Tail Gearbox Support Checked More Often
Published Date: 7/23/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly a Bell Textron Canada Model 429 helicopter, listen up! The FAA wants you to keep inspecting your tail rotor gearbox support more often than before to keep things safe. This means more frequent checks but no big cost changes, and you’ve got until September 8, 2026, to share your thoughts on this update.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Potential rivet replacement or repair costs (up to $9,416)
If inspections find rivets or gaps that require repair, the FAA lists on‑condition costs: replacing rivets costs 1 work-hour ($85) plus parts up to $22 per rivet, and the FAA estimates rivet replacement could be up to $9,416 per helicopter. The FAA cannot determine how many helicopters will need these repairs.
More frequent tail‑rotor gearbox inspections
If you own or operate a Bell Textron Canada Model 429 helicopter, the FAA proposes to shorten (reduce) the inspection interval for the tail rotor (TR) gearbox support assembly. The proposed AD would require the same visual, borescope, and tactile inspections as AD 2022-20-11 but with a reduced inspection interval, and it applies to Model 429 helicopters identified in Transport Canada AD CF-2025-60R1.
Estimated inspection labor cost: $85 each
The FAA estimates each visual, borescope, or tactile inspection will take 1 work-hour at $85 per hour, i.e., $85 per inspection per helicopter. Across the U.S. fleet of 147 affected helicopters, the FAA estimates $12,495 in labor cost per inspection cycle (147 × $85).
No requirement to report findings to manufacturer
Although the Transport Canada AD asks operators to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this FAA proposed AD explicitly does not include that reporting requirement. You would not have to send inspection results to the manufacturer under this FAA AD.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
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.
2025-04846, Extension of the Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya
The FAA is extending the ban on certain flights over Libya for three more years, until March 20, 2028. This affects U.S. airlines, commercial operators, and pilots with FAA certificates flying in Libyan airspace, due to ongoing safety risks. The rule also reminds everyone how to apply for special approvals or exemptions if needed.
2025-03853, Enforcement Policy Regarding “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States; Correction”
The FAA is giving repair stations outside the U.S. a break by delaying enforcement of new drug and alcohol testing rules until March 20, 2025. This means affected repair stations don’t have to worry about penalties if they aren’t fully following the updated rules just yet. The delay helps everyone get ready without rushing or extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-14879, List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: Holtec International HI-STORM Flood/Wind System, Certificate of Compliance No. 1032, Amendment No. 10
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission wants to update the rules for storing spent nuclear fuel using Holtec’s HI-STORM Flood/Wind system. The changes let sites use new loading methods that handle more heat safely, shorten cooling times for some canisters, and improve safety checks against impacts. Anyone using this system should review the updates and send comments by August 24, 2026—no extra costs, just smarter, safer storage!
Next: 2026-14882, Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines
If you own certain Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, the FAA wants you to keep checking a part called the high-pressure turbine triple seal for wear and replace it if needed. They’re updating the rules to remove some engines from this check because a new fix now makes inspections unnecessary for those. Comments on this change are open until September 8, 2026, so get ready to act and keep your engines safe without breaking the bank!