# Proposed AD FAA-2026-8796: Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Comment period closed
- Products: Bell Textron Canada 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3 and 206L-4
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: September 10, 2026, 91 FR 57519
- Comments due: October 26, 2026
- Docket: FAA-2026-8796 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2026-8796, where comments are filed)
- Project: AD-2026-00018-R
- FR document: 2026-18522
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/6a/08/6a086e5e7ca37d8fc2912402c18f4dff534716279102e6bffe34bebfd2386968 (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-09-10/pdf/2026-18522.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/10/2026-18522/airworthiness-directives-bell-textron-canada-limited-helicopters
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/FR-ADNPRM-2026-18522-00000000000.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2026-8796

## Summary

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Bell Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters with FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SR02684LA installed. This proposed AD was prompted by an event where a Bell Model 206L helicopter with FAA STC SR02684LA installed experienced moderate to severe vertical vibration, which resulted in damage to the tail boom of the helicopter. This proposed AD would require revising the Limitations section of the existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for the helicopter to include a never-exceed-speed (V<INF>NE</INF>) limitation and would require incorporating a rotorcraft flight manual supplement (RFMS) into the existing RFM. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

## Notices in this docket

- Sep 10, 2026: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 2026-18522, comments due Oct 26, 2026 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/10/2026-18522/airworthiness-directives-bell-textron-canada-limited-helicopters)

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