Opportunity
Federal Register #FAA20268796
FAA Airworthiness Directive for Bell 206L Helicopters with Van Horn Aviation Rotor Blades
Buyer
Federal Aviation Administration
Posted
September 10, 2026
Respond By
October 26, 2026
Identifier
FAA20268796
NAICS
541990
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, is proposing a new airworthiness directive for Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206L series helicopters equipped with FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SR02684LA. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Aircraft Certification Service, Compliance & Airworthiness Division - OEMs and Vendors: - Bell Textron Canada Limited (helicopter manufacturer) - Van Horn Aviation, L.L.C. (main rotor blade manufacturer and flight manual supplement provider) - Products/Services Requested: - Revision of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for affected helicopters - Incorporate a never-exceed-speed (VNE) limitation - Add Van Horn Aviation Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement (Document No. 206LMRFMS101, Revision 0) - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Compliance action is required within 30 days after the directive's effective date - The directive is prompted by a vibration incident involving Van Horn Aviation main rotor blades (part number 20633000101) installed under STC SR02684LA, which caused tail boom damage - The goal is to prevent unsafe conditions, structural damage, and loss of control - No physical products are being procured; the requirement is for manual revision and compliance
Description
The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters with FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SR02684LA installed. This AD is prompted by an event where a helicopter experienced moderate to severe vertical vibration causing tail boom damage. The AD requires revising the Limitations section of the rotorcraft flight manual to include a never-exceed-speed (VNE) limitation and incorporating a rotorcraft flight manual supplement. The purpose is to address the unsafe condition and prevent structural damage and loss of control.