No More Fake Fires: FAA Targets Helicopter Detectors
Published Date: 4/25/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants all Airbus Helicopters Model AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 to replace certain engine fire detectors because they might give false fire warnings. They also want to stop installing these faulty detectors or engines with them. Helicopter owners need to act soon, with comments due by June 9, 2025, and this fix helps keep flights safe without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Replace faulty engine fire detectors
If you own or operate an Airbus Helicopters Model AS 365 N3, EC 155B, or EC155B1, you must replace engine fire detectors with part numbers H243-1 or H443-1 because they may give false fire warnings. The FAA estimates replacement takes 1 work-hour (labor $85) and parts cost $1,800, for an estimated cost of $1,885 per helicopter.
Rule addresses false fire-warning safety risk
The FAA says certain engine fire detectors can shift detection thresholds and cause false engine fire warnings. The false warnings could lead to an engine in-flight shut-down and a possible loss of control if not fixed, so the AD is intended to prevent that risk.
Ban on installing affected detectors or engines
The rule would prohibit installing an affected engine fire detector (P/N H243-1 or H443-1) or any engine that contains one on the listed helicopter models. This stops re-use or installation of non-conforming detectors to prevent recurring false warnings.
U.S. fleet and total compliance cost estimate
The FAA estimates this AD would affect 3 U.S.-registered helicopters. The FAA estimates the cost to replace detectors as $1,885 per helicopter and $5,655 for the entire U.S. fleet of affected helicopters.
FAA removes EASA reporting requirement
Although the EASA AD referenced by the FAA asks operators to submit certain information to the manufacturer, the FAA's proposed AD does not include that reporting requirement. Operators do not have to submit the EASA-specified reports under this FAA AD.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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