FAAST Blast — Week of Oct 16, 2017 – Oct 22, 2017
Biweekly FAA Safety Briefing News Update
New SAIBs Address Helicopter Safety Issues
On October 13, the FAA issued Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) SW-17-31 that urges operators to be aware of the crash resistant fuel system (CRFS) capabilities of helicopters they operate. Operating a CRFS compliant helicopter may reduce the risk of post-crash fires and improve occupant survivability in an accident. CRFS standards help accomplish this by minimizing crash-induced fuel leaks and their contact with potential fuel ignition sources both during and after the crash, and increasing the time occupants have available to egress before a post-crash fire could become critical. To read the SAIB, go to go.usa.gov/xnr3y.
The FAA issued an additional SAIB for helicopter operators and maintenance technicians that addresses a concern with the use of engine inlet barrier filters. SAIB SW-17-30 was prompted by reports of helicopters with inlet barrier filters experiencing abnormal engine operation when exposed to persistent or high precipitation rates.
For more details and recommended actions that can help prevent engine issues when using inlet barriers, go to go.usa.gov/xnr3Q.
AC for Pilot and Flight/Ground Instructors Updated
Advisory Circular (AC) 61-65G, Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors, provides guidance for pilot applicants, pilots, flight instructors, ground instructors, and evaluators on the certification standards, knowledge test procedures, and other requirements in 14 CFR part 61.
A recent revision to the AC provides guidance for those persons seeking to conduct enhanced flight vision system (EFVS) operations as well as guidance for airmen seeking an endorsement for helicopter touchdown autorotations. Download AC 61-65G at 1.usa.gov/2vQgQKz.
How Do You Renew?
Flight instructors: What’s your renewal method of choice? Unlike a private pilot certificate, a flight instructor certificate is valid for only 24 calendar months after an initial certification ride or renewal. For a refresher on the several different ways you can renew your certification, check out the article, “Renewing Your Lease: Options for Flight Instructor Certification Renewal” in the Sep/Oct 2017 issue of FAA Safety Briefing at faa.gov/news/safety_briefing. To read this article on a mobile device, go to adobe.ly/2xjBJL6.
Produced by the FAA Safety Briefing editors, http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/
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