# Proposed AD FAA-2026-7227: Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Comment period closed
- Products: Bell Textron Canada 429
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: July 23, 2026, 91 FR 46322
- Comments due: September 8, 2026
- Docket: FAA-2026-7227 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2026-7227, where comments are filed)
- Project: MCAI-2025-01754-R
- FR document: 2026-14881
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/14/95/1495d31b38be28f18af23bfdfba532fca095a945b1fe0d027aacae284f44266c (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-07-23/pdf/2026-14881.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/23/2026-14881/airworthiness-directives-bell-textron-canada-limited-helicopters
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/FR-ADNPRM-2026-14881-00000000000.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2026-7227

## Summary

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-20-11, which applies to certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters. AD 2022-20-11 requires visually inspecting the external surface of the tail rotor (TR) gearbox support assembly, borescope inspecting or visually inspecting the inside of the tail boom, and performing a tactile inspection. Depending on the results of the inspections, AD 2022-20-11 requires removing certain rivets from service or repairing gaps in accordance with an approved method. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-20-11, the manufacturer determined the repetitive inspection interval needs to be reduced. This proposed AD would require the same actions as AD 2022-20-11 and would reduce the inspection interval. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

## Notices in this docket

- Jul 23, 2026: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 2026-14881, comments due Sep 8, 2026 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/23/2026-14881/airworthiness-directives-bell-textron-canada-limited-helicopters)

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