Helicopter Owners Must Fix Tail Rotor Before Mid-September Deadline
Published Date: 8/28/2026
Rule
Summary
If you own or operate a Bell Textron Canada Model 222 helicopter, listen up! The FAA found a problem with the tail rotor pitch horn that could fail during flight, so they’re requiring you to replace it with a safe one by September 14, 2026. This fix keeps your helicopter flying safely and stops the old parts from being used again. Comments on this rule are open until October 13, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Estimated compliance cost per helicopter
The FAA estimates this AD affects 15 U.S.-registered Model 222 helicopters. Verifying the tail rotor pitch horn part number is 1 work-hour at $85 (cost per helicopter $85). If replacement is needed, the FAA estimates 2 work-hours (2 x $85 = $170) plus parts costing $13,730, for an on-condition total of $13,900 per helicopter.
Mandatory replacement of tail rotor part
If you own or operate a Bell Textron Canada Model 222 helicopter, you must remove tail rotor pitch horn P/N 222-012-774-109 and associated tail rotor pitch links from service and install tail rotor pitch horn P/N 222-012-705-105 or P/N 222-012-705-107 and associated links. The AD is effective September 14, 2026, and also prohibits installing P/N 222-012-774-109 on any helicopter.
No special flight permits allowed
Special flight permits under 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 are not allowed for affected helicopters, and the AD requires compliance "before further flight after the effective date of this AD." For owners/operators who received actual notice, the emergency AD was effective August 11, 2026; otherwise this AD is effective September 14, 2026.
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: 2026-17608, Special Local Regulation; Chickahominy River, Williamsburg, VA
On September 20, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Coast Guard will temporarily block off part of the Chickahominy River near Williamsburg, VA, to keep everyone safe during a rowing event. Only people or boats with special permission can enter the area during this time. This means boaters should plan ahead to avoid the zone and stay safe without any extra costs.
Next: 2026-17616, Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amounts of Pacific cod from vessels using jig gear and catcher vessels greater than or equal to 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using hook-and- line gear to catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook- and-line or pot gear and is opening directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to allow the 2026 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod to be harvested.