FAA Orders Speed Caps on Helicopters to Tame Tail Vibrations
Published Date: 9/10/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly a Bell Textron Canada Model 206L helicopter with a special FAA certificate, listen up! The FAA wants you to update your flight manual to add a new speed limit to stop dangerous vibrations that can damage your tail. You’ve got until October 26, 2026, to share your thoughts, and these changes help keep your helicopter safe without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
New VNE Limit and RFMS Required
If you operate a Bell Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, or 206L-4 helicopter with FAA STC SR02684LA installed, you must revise the rotorcraft flight manual within 30 days after the AD's effective date by inserting Van Horn Aviation Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement Document No. 206L-MR-FMS-101, Revision 0, dated March 25, 2026, and add this limitation: "VNE is 85 KIAS (98 MPH) when Gross Weight is 3400 lb or below, or placarded VNE, whichever is less."
Estimated Compliance Cost $85 Per Helicopter
The FAA estimates this AD would affect 200 U.S.-registered helicopters and would cost $85 per helicopter (1 work-hour at $85) to revise the rotorcraft flight manual, for a total estimated cost to U.S. operators of $17,000.
Pilot May Revise Manual; Flight Permit Limit
An owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate may perform the required RFM revision and must record compliance in maintenance records per 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). Special flight permits may be issued under 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199, but any such flight is restricted to no greater than 85 KIAS while Gross Weight is less than 3400 lbs.
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