# Proposed AD FAA-2026-3476: Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2026-13-12
- Products: Bell Textron Canada
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: April 7, 2026, 91 FR 17610
- Comments due: May 22, 2026
- Became: [AD 2026-13-12](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2026-13-12)
- Docket: FAA-2026-3476 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2026-3476, where comments are filed)
- Project: MCAI-2025-01366-R
- FR document: 2026-06690
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/e0/54/e054ba0027f1d74d2fbe0bb316462f06dcdd18e8cbf1af792990c4cdf14bcdcf (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-04-07/pdf/2026-06690.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/07/2026-06690/airworthiness-directives-bell-textron-canada-limited-helicopters
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/FR-ADNPRM-2026-06690-00000000000.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2026-3476

## Summary

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-09-03, which applies to certain Bell Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 430 helicopters. AD 2025-09-03 reduced the life limits on the main rotor (M/R) clevises, universal bearings, universal to pitch link bolts, the tube assembly, and the rod end assembly and requires replacing the M/R pitch link assemblies with re-identified part numbered assemblies. Since the FAA issued AD 2025-09-03, the FAA received comments proposing changes to the actions of AD 2025-09-03. This proposed AD proposes changes to actions in AD 2025-09-03 and addresses the comments received. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

## Notices in this docket

- Apr 7, 2026: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 2026-06690, comments due May 22, 2026 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/07/2026-06690/airworthiness-directives-bell-textron-canada-limited-helicopters)

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