A new policy proposal on engine inlet barrier filters (IBFs) is raising fears that the requirements could spell the end of future development of the filters. The FAA recently released the draft policy—PS-ASW-27-29-07—clarifying the requirements for approval of installation of IBFs. The FAA said the policy is necessary because “the increased usage of …IBF installations on rotorcraft requires guidance to ensure safe and standardized installations.”
That guidance, however, has prompted fears that approvals for new IBFs may become extremely difficult, if not impossible to obtain, or it may prevent the operator from using the filters. “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 stated.
The policy calls for propriety power information that is difficult to obtain from engine manufacturers and seeks potential operational restrictions, such as helicopter-specific payload limitations–that could make installation unviable, said Lorie Symon, executive director of Aerometals.
The FAA’s stated justification–increasing use and the need for standardized installations–for the new policy puzzles executives from both Aerometals and Donaldson Filtration Solutions, the only other IBF producer in the market. Matt Fortuna, general manager for Donaldson, noted that IBFs have been installed on more than 7,000 helicopters and have collectively accumulated more than 20 million flight hours over 20 years. “They have an established history of zero safety incidents,” Symon added.
STC Challenges
The policy has been quietly in the works for years, and over the past four years new supplemental type certificates (STCs) have become increasingly difficult to obtain from the FAA and EASA.
Symon fears for the future of her business, noting that her company has invested $5 million in a new IBF for the Sikorsky S-92, but has been unable to get the project to market. If the policy is enacted as stated, she added, Aerometals likely “would close the division and get out of the IBF market.”
Tom Newman, engineering director for Donaldson, added that the company has “several projects in development” and is trying to ascertain how to move forward with the regulators. Fortuna said Donaldson will have to evaluate the “changes in the business model” that would come under the policy.
Donaldson has recently secured an STC, with partner Coulson Aircrane, but that STC, for the S-61N, came with takeoff, landing and other restrictions. That STC, issued February 17, expires September 1 and stipulates the “STC will need to be surrendered by the holder and will need to be removed from all aircraft” if the STC is not amended before that time.
Aerometals and Donaldson are urging helicopter industry professionals to weigh in on the proposed policy statement. The deadline for the comments is April 15. The policy statement can be found at http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs/policy/. The executives also hope to raise the issue during an FAA “Face to Face” panel that will be held at 8:30 a.m. March 3 here at Heli-Expo.
