AD NUMBER: 2018-18-12

PRODUCT: Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350BA helicopters with a Pall Aerospace Corporation inlet barrier filter (IBF) element.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY: This AD requires revising the Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement to prohibit operating a helicopter with an IBF element in wet weather and replacing the IBF element if wet.

This AD is prompted by a forced landing after an engine flameout.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 25, 2018. Comments must be received by November 9, 2018.

COST: The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 81 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor costs average
$85 per work-hour.

Based on these estimates, the FAA estimates the following costs:

• Incorporating Appendix A of this AD into the rotorcraft flight manual requires 1 work-hour and no parts for a cost of $85 per helicopter and $6,885 for the U.S. fleet.
• Replacing the inlet barrier filter, if required, requires 2 work-hours and parts cost $3,995 for a cost of $4,165 per filter replacement.

FMI: AD