Helicopter fuel filters get a new inspection rule after cracks were missed

The US aviation regulator is updating its rules for inspecting fuel filters on certain Airbus helicopters. This means mechanics will now have to check the inner surface of the filter bowls and use a different tightening torque during maintenance.

Aviation safety rules often tighten after a problem is discovered. This proposed rule suggests that the previous visual inspections were not enough to catch cracks and seepage in these helicopter fuel filters. The change aims to prevent future failures by making the inspection more thorough.