FAA to Bell Helicopter Owners: Check Those Sliding Doors, Folks!
Published Date: 9/22/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own or operate Bell Textron Canada Model 429 helicopters, heads up! The FAA wants you to check the sliding door’s lower roller parts for damage and fix any issues to stop doors from jamming. You’ll also need to update the roller setup soon, with comments on this rule due by November 6, 2026. This keeps your chopper safe without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Required roller assembly modification
The proposed AD would require modifying the roller assembly configuration on affected Model 429 helicopters. The FAA estimates the modification needs about 8 work-hours (labor cost $680) per helicopter and estimates a total U.S. operators' cost of up to $102,000 for the 150 affected helicopters.
Potential repair or part-replacement costs
If inspections find contact marks or other conditions, you may need to repair or replace affected parts; the FAA says those repair costs could vary significantly by helicopter. The FAA also notes some costs may be covered under warranty, but it cannot determine the total repair cost or how many helicopters will need repairs.
Mandatory door-roller inspection
If you own or operate a Bell Textron Canada Model 429 helicopter, the FAA would require you to inspect the sliding door lower aft bracket and rail cavity for contact marks following Transport Canada AD CF-2025-64. The FAA estimates the inspection takes 1 work-hour at $85 per helicopter, would affect 150 U.S.-registered helicopters, and comments on the proposal are due by November 6, 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.
2026-19343, Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
If you own or maintain Leonardo AB139 or AW139 helicopters, the FAA wants you to update your maintenance rules with new safety limits to keep flying safe. This replaces an older rule and means you’ll need to revise your maintenance manuals soon. Comments on this change are open until November 6, 2026, so get ready to act and keep those choppers in top shape!
2026-19355, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA wants all Airbus A300 series airplanes to replace certain main landing gear parts because some were made wrong and could crack. This fix will keep planes safe and stop problems before they happen. Airlines need to comment by November 6, 2026, and should expect some costs to swap out the parts.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-19343, Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
If you own or maintain Leonardo AB139 or AW139 helicopters, the FAA wants you to update your maintenance rules with new safety limits to keep flying safe. This replaces an older rule and means you’ll need to revise your maintenance manuals soon. Comments on this change are open until November 6, 2026, so get ready to act and keep those choppers in top shape!
Next: 2026-19346, Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan; Amendment 38; 2027-28 Biennial Specifications and Management Measures
This new rule sets fishing limits and rules for groundfish off the West Coast for 2027-28, affecting fishermen in Washington, Oregon, and California. It removes rebuilding plans for two rockfish species and changes some fishing area closures to help balance fishing and conservation. Comments on these changes are open until October 22, 2026, so stakeholders have a chance to weigh in before the rules take effect.