Helicopter tails have wrong stickers; FAA orders label swap now
Published Date: 9/17/2026
Rule
Summary
If you own or operate Bell Model 505 helicopters, listen up! The FAA found that some tail cone ID plates have the wrong part numbers, which could cause safety issues. Starting October 22, 2026, you’ll need to check these plates and swap out any wrong ones, plus update your helicopter’s records—no big costs expected, just a quick fix to keep flying safe and sound.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Action Prevents Possible Loss of Control
The AD says incorrect tail cone identification plates could cause a tail cone to be treated as having unlimited life, which might lead to fatigue cracking of the tailboom and loss of control. By requiring verification and, if needed, replacement of the plate and record updates, the AD addresses that unsafe condition.
Must Verify Tail Cone Part Number
If you operate a Bell Model 505 helicopter, you must verify the tail cone assembly part number because some identification plates show the wrong P/N (including P/N SLS-030-600-007 and P/N SLS-030-600-009). This AD is effective October 22, 2026, and requires replacing an incorrect identification plate with a correct plate and updating the helicopter's existing log book or equivalent record.
FAA Estimates Costs and Safety Risk
The FAA estimates this AD affects 182 U.S.-registered Bell 505 helicopters and that verifying the tail cone P/N will cost $85 per helicopter (total estimated $15,470 for U.S. operators). If replacement is required, the FAA estimates on-condition costs of about $175 for the replacement plate and $85 to update the log book; some costs may be covered under warranty.
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