More Sikorsky helicopters must get new tail rotor blades and regular checks

US aviation regulators want to expand a mandatory safety fix for certain Sikorsky helicopters. This means more helicopter models will need new tail rotor blades and regular inspections to prevent failures.

Aviation regulators are expanding a safety mandate because a known problem affects more helicopter models than first thought. This change means more operators will have to spend money on parts and maintenance, but it should reduce the risk of tail rotor failures. The FAA is making sure that a fix developed by the manufacturer becomes a required upgrade across the fleet.