NTSB Issues Safety Recommendation A-15-012 to FAA on Rotorcraft Fuel Systems

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued safety recommendation A-15-012, identified by reference number CEN15FA003, addressed directly to the Federal Aviation Administration. This directive urges the agency to implement stricter safety protocols for the aviation industry regarding rotorcraft design and manufacturing standards. Specifically, the NTSB requires that all newly manufactured rotorcraft, irrespective of when their original certification date occurred, must ensure their fuel systems comply with established crashworthiness requirements. These mandated standards are defined under 14 Code of Federal Regulations sections 27.952 and 29.952, which govern fuel system crash resistance. The recommendation aims to enhance the structural integrity and safety performance of rotorcraft fuel systems during impact events, ensuring that modern manufacturing practices align with these critical federal regulations for aviation safety.