FAA Concerned about Bell 206 LongRanger Vertical Vibrations | Aviation International News

FAA Concerned about Bell 206L Vertical Vibrations

Pilots need to know to pull collective to eliminate so-called collective bounce

Van Horn Aviation collective bounce — Van Horn Aviation recommends that Bell 206L pilots avoid the shaded area to prevent collective bounce but, if experiencing the phenomenon, they should pull collective and load up the rotor system.

By Matt Thurber • Editor-in-Chief

May 14, 2025

The FAA has issued an airworthiness concern sheet (ACS) that outlines a vertical vibration issue with Bell 206 LongRanger helicopters. According to the FAA, it “has received reports of severe vertical vibrations on Bell 206L (LongRanger) helicopters. These events are inconsistent in their repeatability. In addition, post-flight inspections have not identified any failure that caused the vibration event. Reports indicate the vibration subsides once additional load is applied on the main rotor by increasing collective. The vibration may worsen with a low friction set on the collective.”

According to the ACS, on Sept. 26, 2024, in Fern Prairie, Washington, a Bell 206L suffered a vertical vibration incident where “continued vibration resulted in substantial damage to the helicopter’s tail boom, but the aircraft was able to land safely.” The pilot was not injured.

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Bell 206 Series

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