Boeing 737 Oxygen Generator Inspection Requirement

|2024-15229|624 days overdue
View on Federal Register

Summary

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 airplanes and Model 737-700, -800, and -900ER series airplanes. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of passenger service unit (PSU) oxygen generators shifting out of position within their associated PSU assemblies because of a retention failure. This AD requires a general visual inspection of the PSU oxygen generator installation to determine the configuration of the thermal pads of the retention straps and applicable on-condition actions. This AD also prohibits the installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Compliance Requirements

  1. #1

    For Model 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 airplanes as identified in Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-35-1210 RB, dated June 17, 2024: Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD, at the applicable times specified in the 'Compliance' paragraph of Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-35-1210 RB, dated June 17, 2024, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-35-1210 RB, dated June 17, 2024.; For Model 737-700, -800, and -900ER series airplanes as identified in Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-35-1211 RB, dated June 17, 2024: Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD, at the applicable times specified in the 'Compliance' paragraph of Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-35-1211 RB, dated June 17, 2024, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-35-1211 RB, dated June 17, 2024.; As of the effective date of the AD, no person may install a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) thermal pad, part number 53010 or 73667, under the PSU oxygen generator retention strap, on any airplane.; Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.; Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the 'Compliance' paragraph of Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-35-1210 RB, dated June 17, 2024, refer to the original issue date of Requirements Bulletin 737-35-1210 RB, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.; Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the 'Compliance' paragraph of Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-35-1211 RB, dated June 17, 2024, refer to the original issue date of Requirements Bulletin 737-35-1211 RB, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.

    Deadline: 2024-06-17(At the applicable times specified in the 'Compliance' paragraph of Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-35-1210 RB, dated June 17, 2024 (using effective date of this AD as reference point))

Market Impacts

  • Prohibition on installation of pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) thermal pads (part numbers 53010 and 73667) under PSU oxygen generator retention straps on any affected Boeing 737 aircraft; Mandatory general visual inspection of PSU oxygen generator installation to determine thermal pad configuration and applicable on-condition actions for all affected Boeing 737 aircraft models; Installation prohibition creates market barrier for PSA thermal pad manufacturers and distributors, while creating opportunity for non-PSA thermal pad suppliers; Creates demand for specialized training on PSU oxygen generator inspection and maintenance procedures as specified in Boeing requirements bulletins

Validated Company Impacts

BAScore: 100%

BOEING CO

Boeing directly manufactures the affected 737 aircraft models specified in the AD, making this rule directly applicable to their core commercial airplane production operations. The company's business model involves developing, producing, and marketing these exact aircraft models to commercial airlines worldwide, placing them squarely within the rule's jurisdiction and compliance requirements. The FAA airworthiness directive addresses specific aircraft maintenance and safety compliance risks related to oxygen generator installations on Boeing 737 models, which does not align with the company's disclosed risk profile focused primarily on financial risks (pension underfunding, debt covenants, purchase obligations) and general operational risks. The company's only regulatory compliance risk mentioned is ERISA funding requirements, which is unrelated to aviation safety regulations.