Airworthiness Directive Proposed for Airbus AS355 Flowmeters

The FAA has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to adopt a new airworthiness directive for Airbus Helicopters AS355Es, AS355Fs, AS355F1s and AS355F2s with a Fueltron flowmeter installed. This AD would require removing each flowmeter, replacing the fuel system hoses and disabling the electrical connections for the flowmeter installation. It is prompted by a report of particle contamination creating an obstruction in a flowmeter, resulting in an uncontrolled flameout of the engine. The proposed actions are intended to prevent obstruction of the fuel supply to the flowmeter, which could result in engine flameout and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.