Federal Register #FAA-2026-3863

FAA Proposed Airworthiness Directive for Sikorsky S-70 Series and Related Helicopters

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, is proposing new airworthiness directives (ADs) for Sikorsky S-70 series and related helicopters to address safety concerns with the tail rotor blade (TRB). - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - OEMs and Vendors: - Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (primary OEM for S-70 series helicopters and TRB components) - Bell Textron Canada Limited (mentioned for a related AD on Bell 505 helicopters) - Products/Services Requested: - Recurring visual and tap inspections of Sikorsky tail rotor blade (TRB), part number 7010131000 (all dash numbers) - Replacement of TRB if inspection criteria are not met - Installation of Sikorsky split pitch horn modification kit (part number 7007015005042) and safety enhancement modification kit (part number 7007010052041) on certain TRBs - Revision of airworthiness limitations section in maintenance manuals to require recurring inspections of the TRB disbond indicator - One-time visual inspection of the washer on the tail rotor pitch link assembly for Bell 505 helicopters - Quantities and Affected Fleet: - 96 U.S.-registered Sikorsky helicopters affected - TRB part number 7010131000: 96 units referenced - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Compliance times for modifications range from 12 to 48 months after the AD effective date, depending on part manufacturing dates - Modifications and inspections must be performed by authorized Sikorsky overhaul facilities - Safety enhancement kit includes disbond indicator markings for improved inspection - The directive addresses unsafe conditions that could lead to increased tail rotor vibrations and potential loss of control - Related Information: - Bell Textron Canada Limited is mentioned for a separate AD requiring inspection of a washer on Bell 505 helicopters - Locations: - FAA Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, Fort Worth, TX - FAA Aviation Safety Engineer Office, College Park, GA - Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Trumbull, CT (contractor facility)

Description

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-02-17, which applies to certain Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-70 series helicopters. The AD requires recurring visual and tap inspections of the tail rotor blade (TRB) and, depending on the results, replacing the TRB. The proposed AD expands applicability to additional helicopter models, requires modifying and re-identifying the TRB, and revising the airworthiness limitations section of the maintenance manual to incorporate recurring inspections of the TRB disbond indicator. This action addresses an unsafe condition that could result in increased tail rotor vibrations and loss of control of the helicopter.

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