EASA AD US-2018-05-07: Oxygen - Crew Oxygen Mask - Inspection / Replacement

What to do

Operators must inspect the four specified flight deck locations for crew oxygen masks with part number MLD20-626-1 and replace any affected masks within 72 months from the effective date. Installation of affected masks is restricted to replacing identical affected masks only during unscheduled maintenance. Stakeholders should review the FAA-approved Boeing service information and ensure compliance by April 11, 2018, with full replacement completed within the specified timeframe.

Summary

Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directive 2018-05-07 is a final rule addressing all Boeing Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes. It requires inspection and replacement of certain crew oxygen masks in the flight deck that failed to deploy correctly during flight tests. This directive aims to prevent oxygen mask harness entanglement that could lead to flight crew hypoxia and loss of airplane control.

What changed

This new airworthiness directive mandates inspections at four flight deck locations to identify crew oxygen masks with part number MLD20-626-1 and requires replacement of affected masks. It also introduces a parts installation prohibition with specific conditions allowing replacement only with identical affected masks during unscheduled maintenance. The directive clarifies compliance timelines and installation restrictions to ensure safety and operational flexibility.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to ensure the reliability of crew oxygen masks, a vital safety component during emergencies. Compliance prevents potential hypoxia risks to flight crews, thereby reducing the chance of loss of control incidents. It also provides clear guidance on parts installation and maintenance practices, helping compliance teams manage fleet safety effectively.

What to do

Summary

What changed

Why it matters

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