# Proposed AD FAA-2026-3866: Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2026-16-02
- Products: Bell Textron Canada
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: April 23, 2026, 91 FR 21741
- Comments due: June 8, 2026
- Became: [AD 2026-16-02](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2026-16-02)
- Docket: FAA-2026-3866 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2026-3866, where comments are filed)
- Project: MCAI-2025-01200-R
- FR document: 2026-07935
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/19/52/19520fd4d310d2ae9162f9968a8e99b9f756f32ccba8dab643a7bc05dcafa46d (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-04-23/pdf/2026-07935.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/23/2026-07935/airworthiness-directives-bell-textron-canada-limited-helicopters
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/FR-ADNPRM-2026-07935-00000000000.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2026-3866

## Summary

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a quality escape in the production installation of a washer installed on the tail rotor pitch link assembly (pitch link assembly). This proposed AD would require a one-time visual inspection for proper installation of the washer installed on the pitch link assembly and, depending on the results of the inspection, corrective actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

## Notices in this docket

- Apr 23, 2026: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 2026-07935, comments due Jun 8, 2026 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/23/2026-07935/airworthiness-directives-bell-textron-canada-limited-helicopters)

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