Helicopters Shake Tail Booms: FAA Demands Manual Tweaks
Published Date: 9/10/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Bell Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters with FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SR02684LA installed. This proposed AD was prompted by an event where a Bell Model 206L helicopter with FAA STC SR02684LA installed experienced moderate to severe vertical vibration, which resulted in damage to the tail boom of the helicopter. This proposed AD would require revising the Limitations section of the existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for the helicopter to include a never-exceed-speed (V<INF>NE</INF>) limitation and would require incorporating a rotorcraft flight manual supplement (RFMS) into the existing RFM. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
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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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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