Bell helicopter owners can put ballast back in the tail

US aviation regulators have reversed a previous order that required certain Bell helicopters to remove all ballast weights from their aft movable ballast box assembly. Helicopter owners can now install a modified ballast box door assembly, which allows them to use the ballast weights again. This change addresses an unsafe condition identified in the previous directive.

Previously, operators of these helicopters had to fly without ballast in the tail, which affects how the aircraft handles and balances. This new rule means they can restore the intended weight distribution, making the helicopters safer and easier to operate. It's a small but important fix for a specific model, ensuring the aircraft performs as designed.