Federal Register #FAA-2026-11783

FAA Airworthiness Directive for Bell 429 Helicopter Sliding Door Safety Modification

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, is proposing new airworthiness directives for Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters to address a safety issue with sliding doors jamming. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - OEMs and Vendors: - Bell Textron Canada Limited (primary OEM) - Transport Canada (regulatory authority) - Products/Services Requested: - Inspection of lower aft bracket and rail cavity for contact marks (quantity: 150 helicopters) - Modification of roller assembly configuration on both right-hand and left-hand sides (quantity: 150 helicopters) - Aft lower roller assembly (part number: 429-030-897-101) - Aft lower rail (part number: 429-030-575-103) - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Compliance with Transport Canada Airworthiness Directive CF-2025-64 - Actions required to prevent sliding door jamming that could obstruct occupant evacuation - No procurement of new products; focus is on inspection, corrective actions, and modification of existing helicopter components - Estimated compliance affects 150 U.S. helicopters - Technical details are accessible: the issue involves the aft lower roller assembly disengaging from the rail, requiring inspection and modification to ensure safety.

Description

The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters due to reports of sliding doors jamming when opened from inside, caused by the aft lower roller assembly disengaging from the aft lower rail. The AD would require inspecting the lower aft bracket and rail cavity for contact marks and performing corrective actions as needed. Additionally, it mandates modifying the roller assembly configuration to address this unsafe condition and prevent door jamming that could obstruct occupant evacuation in emergencies.

View original listing