FAA Plans Public Meeting about Helicopter Filters

Facing criticism over its proposed new policy guidance on inlet barrier filter (IBF) installation on helicopters, the FAA has planned a public meeting to gather more technical information. It will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn at Fort Worth Alliance Airport in Texas on July 7, the same day that comments are due on the policy.

The agency released the proposed guidance in January, saying, “The increased usage of…IBF installations on rotorcraft requires guidance to ensure safe and standardized installations.” The policy, the agency said, focuses on two aspects for IBF installation approval: determining the power availability with the IBF and evaluating the bypass system.

But the guidance as proposed raised fears among aftermarket producers that the requirements for installation would mandate unrealistic testing and data that either helicopter manufacturers or engine producers would be reluctant to share. “If allowed to proceed, the proposal would significantly restrict and may likely prohibit any future IBF development programs and would significantly impact the benefits of these engine protection devices,” IBF manufacturer Aerometals said.

Noting it has received nearly three dozen comments on the issue, the FAA planned the public meeting to gather more information to help it develop guidance for evaluating IBFs installed on helicopters.