Federal Register #FAA-2026-7227

FAA Proposed Airworthiness Directives for Bell 429 and Airbus EC130B4 Helicopters

This opportunity involves proposed airworthiness directives (ADs) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the Department of Transportation, targeting safety improvements for specific helicopter models. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service, Airworthiness Products Section - OEMs and Vendors Mentioned: - Bell Textron Canada Limited (primary OEM for Model 429 helicopters) - Airbus Helicopters (for Model EC130B4) - Products/Services Requested: - For Bell 429: - Inspections and repairs of rivets at the joint between the tail boom skin and tail rotor gearbox support assembly - Part numbers: P/N 429034701101 or P/N 429035705101 - Quantity: 147 helicopters affected - Services include visual, borescope, and tactile inspections, with repairs as needed per approved methods - For Airbus EC130B4: - Modification of swinging door star support and sliding door star support stringer to address locking mechanism weaknesses - Applies to left-hand side swinging and sliding doors; prohibits installation of affected composite doors unless requirements are met - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Compliance with Transport Canada AD CF202560R1 for Bell 429 - Inspections must follow approved repair methods and revised intervals - Modifications for Airbus EC130B4 must address evacuation safety concerns - No specific contract duration; compliance is required per regulatory timelines

Description

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-20-11 for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters. The current AD requires visual, borescope, and tactile inspections of the tail rotor gearbox support assembly and tail boom interior, with removal of rivets or repair of gaps as needed. The manufacturer has determined that the repetitive inspection interval needs to be reduced. This proposed AD would require the same actions as the previous AD but with a reduced inspection interval to address unsafe conditions.

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