# 2026-16043: Helicopter Owners: FAA Says Check Your Tail Rotor Washer Now

2026-16043, Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters, is a Federal Register rule from Transportation Department, Federal Aviation Administration published 2026-08-06, effective 2026-09-10; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-08-13).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-16043
- As of: 2026-08-13
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-16043
- Title: Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: Transportation Department; Federal Aviation Administration
- Citation: 91 FR 50693
- Published: 2026-08-06
- Effective: 2026-09-10
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: yes
- Regulation identifier numbers: 2120-AA64
- Last updated: 2026-08-13

## In one line

Helicopter Owners: FAA Says Check Your Tail Rotor Washer Now

## 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.

## Abstract

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a quality escape in the production installation of a washer installed on the tail rotor pitch link assembly (pitch link assembly). This AD requires a one-time visual inspection for proper installation of the washer installed on the pitch link assembly and, depending on the results of the inspection, corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

## Effects PRIA read

- One-time tail-rotor washer inspection: cost, low. 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…
- Potential costly replacements for some helicopters: cost, high. 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 $9,4…
- Special flight permits disallowed: cost, low. 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.

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## Sources
- [2026-16043 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/06/2026-16043/airworthiness-directives-bell-textron-canada-limited-helicopters)
- [2026-16043 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-08-06/pdf/2026-16043.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-16035, Limits on Loans to Other Credit Unions](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-16035)
- [Next: 2026-16047, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-16047)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-16043 (as of 2026-08-13).