EASA AD 2024-0198
Oxygen — Chemical Oxygen Generators — Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0198 is an official regulatory document addressing the replacement of chemical oxygen generators in various Airbus aeroplanes, including models A310, A300, A318, A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340. The directive targets specific oxygen generators with part numbers E63320-00, E63340-00, and E63440-00 that have known activation failures. It mandates replacement of these affected parts to ensure continued airworthiness and safety.
What Changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2023-0209 and extends the applicability to include the newly certified Airbus A321-253NY model. It retains the previous requirements for replacement and installation prohibitions of affected parts but adds explicit prohibition of installing affected parts on the A321-253NY. No additional actions beyond those in the previous AD are introduced for other models.
Why It Matters
The directive addresses a critical safety issue where chemical oxygen generators may fail to activate, potentially reducing available oxygen in emergencies and risking occupant injury. For operators and maintenance organizations, compliance ensures that oxygen systems function reliably during emergencies. It also prevents installation of defective parts, maintaining regulatory compliance and safety standards.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus aeroplanes must replace any affected chemical oxygen generators within two months after 6 December 2023, following Airbus Alert Operator Transmission instructions. Installation of affected parts is prohibited from the effective date of 1 November 2024 on all affected models, including the A321-253NY. Affected parts removed must be returned to Collins Aerospace for investigation.