FAA Orders Bolt Swaps for Airbus Helicopter Flight Control Safety

2026-06471 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

The FAA wants to make sure certain Boeing 757-200 airplanes stay safe by checking for cracks in the front cargo area frames, especially those with special cargo loading gear. They’re asking airlines to inspect or review maintenance records and do regular crack checks to catch problems early. Comments on this plan are open until May 18, 2026, and these inspections could mean some extra work and costs for operators.

2026-06459 — Airworthiness Directives; Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing, Inc. Airplanes (Type Certificate Previously Held by M7 Aerospace LLC)

The FAA wants Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing airplane owners to regularly check and fix the pitch trim actuator because some have failed during flight. These inspections and fixes must happen often to keep planes safe, and certain parts can’t be installed unless properly sealed. Comments on this plan are open until May 18, 2026, so owners should prepare for some maintenance costs and deadlines.

2026-06385 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

The FAA wants all Boeing 757-300 airplanes to get new inspections to catch cracks in key parts of the plane’s frame before they become a problem. Airlines will need to check for past repairs and do regular crack inspections to keep flights safe. Comments on this plan are open until May 18, 2026, and these checks might cost some time and money but will keep everyone flying safely.

2026-06377 — Notice of Final Action of Waiver With Respect to Land; DeWitt Field, Old Town Municipal Airport, Old Town, ME

The FAA has officially approved the release of federal rules on 1.74 acres of land at DeWitt Field in Old Town, Maine, which the city sold without permission in 2023. This means the city is no longer bound by FAA land-use rules for that property, but it doesn’t guarantee any FAA money for the sale. Airport officials and local folks can now move forward with this change, which was finalized in early 2026.

2026-06465 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes

If you fly Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 or BD-500-1A11 planes, listen up! The FAA found a problem with a motor that controls air pressure, which could cause safety issues. Starting April 17, 2026, certain flights can’t take off if this motor or related alerts aren’t working right, so operators need to check carefully to keep everyone safe.

2026-06369 — Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

If you own or fly a Bell Model 505 helicopter, listen up! The FAA found a problem where weights in the back could break loose and hit the tail rotor, which is super dangerous. Starting April 16, 2026, you can’t use those ballast weights anymore, and you’ll need to update your flight manual. This fix keeps everyone safe without costing a fortune, but don’t wait to make the change!

Previous: 2026-05883 — Airworthiness Directives; Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. Airplanes

If you own or fly a Diamond Aircraft DA 40, DA 40 F, or DA 40 NG, listen up! The FAA updated safety rules to fix fuel tank issues by requiring inspections, part replacements, and using new service instructions for the DA 40 NG. These changes kick in April 30, 2026, and help keep your flight safe without breaking the bank.

Next: 2026-05976 — Marine Mammals; Incidental Take of Northern Sea Otters During Specified Activities; Seward, Sitka, and Kodiak, Alaska

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has set new rules to protect northern sea otters in Seward, Sitka, and Kodiak, Alaska, during marine construction and pile driving. These rules allow some accidental, non-harmful disturbance to sea otters caused by noise, lasting for five years starting March 27, 2026. People involved in these activities should note the new guidelines and can comment on information collection by April 27, 2026.