Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a directive requiring inspections of approximately 2,600 Boeing 737 aircraft due to a potential issue with the oxygen masks.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on
Monday that it is mandating inspections of 2,600 Boeing 737 aircraft due to a
potential issue with the retention strap of the passenger oxygen masks. This
issue could lead to the failure of the oxygen masks during an emergency
situation, posing a safety risk to passengers.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated
inspections of Boeing 737 MAX and Next Generation aircraft following numerous
reports of passenger service unit oxygen generators becoming dislodged. This
issue poses a potential risk, as it could hinder the provision of supplemental
oxygen to passengers in the event of cabin depressurization.
On June 17, Boeing issued a bulletin to airlines requesting
visual inspections. On Monday, the company informed airlines to update a
specific group of the restraining straps on 737 oxygen generators. This action
is necessary due to the introduction of a new adhesive on the straps in August
2019. Under certain circumstances, this adhesive has been observed to allow
units to shift up to three-quarters of an inch.
"In order to guarantee that the generators remain
firmly in place as intended, we have reverted to using the original adhesive
for all new shipments. Inspections of the in-service fleet and undelivered
aircraft have not revealed any units that have failed to function properly,
according to Boeing.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an
airworthiness directive that is effective immediately. This directive requires
inspections and corrective actions, if necessary, to be completed within 120 to
150 days, depending on the specific Boeing 737 model. Additionally, the FAA is
prohibiting airlines from installing potentially defective parts.
Airlines are required to perform a comprehensive visual
inspection of their oxygen generators. If necessary, they must replace faulty
generators with new or functional ones, secure thermal pads, and reposition
affected generators, as per the agency’s directive.
Typically, a Boeing 737 aircraft is equipped with
approximately 61 oxygen generators, and each generator is secured with two
straps.