Federal Register #FAA-2026-3476

FAA Proposed Airworthiness Directives for Bell 430 Helicopters and Boeing 787 Airplanes

This opportunity involves the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, proposing new and revised airworthiness directives (ADs) for Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 430 helicopters and Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - Aircraft Certification Service - OEMs and Vendors: - Bell Textron Canada Limited (primary OEM for Model 430 helicopters) - The Boeing Company (primary OEM for Model 787 airplanes) - Transport Canada (regulatory authority, airworthiness material incorporated by reference) - Products/Services Requested: - For Bell Model 430 helicopters (serial numbers 49001–49129): - Inspection, re-identification, and possible replacement of main rotor pitch link assembly components, including: - Main rotor clevises - Universal bearings - Universal to pitch link bolts - Tube assemblies - Rod end assemblies - Compliance with Transport Canada AD CF202440 - For Boeing 787-8, 787-9, 787-10 airplanes: - Repetitive inspections of thrust reverser outer V-blades for fatigue cracks - On-condition repairs as required by Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B78781205 SB78004900 RB - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Incorporation of Transport Canada airworthiness directive by reference for Bell helicopters - Applies to specific serial numbers for Bell 430 helicopters - Estimated compliance costs for affected operators - Comments on proposed ADs are invited - Locations: - FAA offices in Westbury, NY; Fort Worth, TX; Des Moines, WA - U.S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations, Washington, DC - Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, Nepean, Ontario, Canada

Description

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-09-03 for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 430 helicopters. The previous AD reduced life limits on main rotor components and required replacement with re-identified assemblies. This proposed AD addresses comments received on the prior AD and proposes changes to the required actions to mitigate unsafe conditions. The FAA invites comments by May 22, 2026, and estimates compliance costs for affected operators.

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