FAA Enforces Emergency Directive for Specific Bell 505 Helicopters
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive AD 2026-05-51 in March 2026. This directive is specifically for certain Bell 505 helicopters, addressing a critical safety issue that could potentially lead to a total loss of control.
This emergency order, effective from March 6, 2026, is applicable to Bell Model 505 helicopters. The specific models are those with serial numbers 65011 and subsequent. These helicopters are equipped with specific aft movable ballast box assemblies (part numbers SLS-706-201-207 or SLS-706-201-207FM).
The directive was a response to Transport Canada’s emergency order. This order was issued a few days prior after the discovery of possible plastic deformation and improper pin engagement in the hinge assembly of the aft movable ballast box.
The safety concern is severe: ballast weights could escape the box and strike the tail rotor assembly. This could potentially cause blade damage or departure, loss of tail rotor thrust, severe vibrations, and loss of helicopter control.
The required fix mandates a revision of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual’s Limitations section. This revision is to prohibit the use of ballast weights in the affected assemblies before further flight.
The procedural fix can be implemented by inserting a copy of the AD into the flight manual. This can be performed by any owner or operator holding at least a private pilot certificate. Bell Textron Canada has since developed permanent modification solutions involving longer hinge assemblies.
Source: Aero News