Helicopter Owners: FAA Says Check Your Tail Rotor Washer Now
Published Date: 8/6/2026
Rule
Summary
If you own a Bell Textron Canada Model 505 helicopter, listen up! The FAA found a problem with a washer on the tail rotor pitch link that might not be installed right. Starting September 10, 2026, you’ll need to do a one-time check and fix it if needed—keeping your chopper safe without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Potential costly replacements for some helicopters
The FAA estimates this AD affects 10 U.S.-registered Model 505 helicopters; the inspection cost is estimated at $85 per helicopter (total $850 for 10). If corrective replacements are required, replacing the pitch link assembly, tail rotor pitch horn, packings, and conical washer can cost up to $9,472 per helicopter. The manufacturer may cover some costs under warranty.
One-time tail-rotor washer inspection
If you operate a Bell Textron Canada Model 505 helicopter, you must perform a one-time visual inspection for proper installation of the washer on the tail rotor pitch link assembly and do corrective actions as specified in Transport Canada AD CF-2025-34. This AD is effective September 10, 2026, and requires following the Transport Canada AD procedures (with the AD's specified exceptions).
Special flight permits disallowed
Special flight permits under 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 are not allowed for helicopters subject to this AD. If you planned to operate a special flight to move an affected Model 505 before inspection or repair, you cannot use those special flight permits.
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
2026-13440, 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.
2026-16129, Special Conditions: ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A Airplanes; Electronic System Security Protection From Unauthorized Internal Access
The FAA is setting new safety rules for ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A airplanes because they have a cool new digital system that lets people inside the plane access its electronics through wireless and wired networks. These rules make sure this tech is just as safe as older systems. The changes kick in on August 7, 2026, and anyone can share their thoughts by September 21, 2026—no extra costs expected.
2026-16157, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report indicating that the protection system on the left fan cowl of the right engine does not sufficiently cover the components and systems from possible cross engine debris. This proposed AD would require performing a maintenance records check or inspection of the right engine to determine the part number of the left fan cowl and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-16159, Revocation of Class E Airspace; Lake Geneva, WI
This action revokes the Class E airspace at Lake Geneva, WI. This action is due to the instrument procedures being cancelled and the closure of the airport.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-16035, Limits on Loans to Other Credit Unions
Starting September 8, 2026, federal credit unions won’t have specific NCUA rules limiting loans to other credit unions, but they still must follow the main law caps. State-chartered credit unions insured by the feds keep following their own rules. This change simplifies the rules but doesn’t change how much money can be loaned overall.
Next: 2026-16047, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of an incorrectly installed engine flange on the main gear box (MGB) engine coupling. This AD requires inspecting the MGB engine coupling for correct installation and, depending on the results, corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.