The FAA issued AD 2026-05-51 requiring revision of the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to prohibit use of ballast weights in the aft movable ballast box assembly on certain Bell Model 505 helicopters due to potential hinge failure that could allow weights to escape and strike the tail rotor.

Aircraft Applicability: Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters, serial numbers 65011 and subsequent, with ballast box assembly P/N SLS-706-201-207 or P/N SLS-706-201-207FM installed.

Effective Date: April 16, 2026 (Emergency AD effective March 6, 2026 with actual notice).

For full details, view the AD in the FAA Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS) or to comment on the AD see the docket at regulations.gov.

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