EASA AD US-2019-16-16
Engine Air Intake System - Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement - Revision
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airworthiness Directive 2019-16-16 is a final rule superseding AD 2018-18-12 concerning Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350BA equipped with certain Pall Aerospace Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) elements. This directive addresses unsafe conditions related to water ingestion by the engine due to affected IBF elements, which can cause engine flameout and loss of helicopter control. The AD expands applicability to additional IBF part numbers and prohibits reinstalling removed filters or installing affected filters on any helicopter.
What Changed
This AD retains the previous requirements to revise the Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement (RFMS) but adds a prohibition on reinstalling any IBF element once removed. It expands the affected IBF part numbers to include CE01303F2 and CE01303F2B and prohibits installing these filters on any helicopter. Additionally, it provides an optional terminating action allowing removal of the affected IBF elements from service.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk of engine flameout caused by water accumulation in specific IBF elements, which can lead to forced landings and loss of control. Operators and maintenance personnel must ensure compliance to prevent engine failures during wet weather operations. The expanded applicability and installation prohibitions require updated maintenance and operational procedures to maintain airworthiness and regulatory compliance.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus Helicopters must revise their Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement within 30 days by inserting the specified limitations or optionally remove the affected IBF elements from service. Installation of IBF elements with part numbers CE01301F2, CE01301F2B, CE01303F2, or CE01303F2B is prohibited. Reinstallation of any removed IBF element is also prohibited to comply with this directive.
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