EASA AD US-2024-13-02
Oxygen - Passenger Service Unit Oxygen Generators - Inspection
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2024-13-02 addresses a safety issue affecting all Boeing 737-8, 737-9, 737-8200, 737-700, 737-800, and 737-900ER series airplanes. This directive mandates inspections of passenger service unit (PSU) oxygen generator installations due to reports of oxygen generators shifting out of position caused by retention strap failures. The AD aims to ensure the functionality of supplemental oxygen systems during depressurization events.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a requirement for a general visual inspection of the PSU oxygen generator retention strap thermal pads to determine their configuration and mandates on-condition corrective actions if issues are found. It also prohibits the installation of affected parts with pressure-sensitive adhesive thermal pads. The directive incorporates Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletins 737-35-1210 RB and 737-35-1211 RB for detailed inspection and corrective procedures.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because shifted PSU oxygen generators can become non-functional, risking passenger safety during cabin depressurization. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and avoid potential in-flight oxygen system failures. The directive helps prevent unsafe conditions that could lead to emergency oxygen supply failures, thereby supporting regulatory compliance and passenger safety.
What To Do
Operators of affected Boeing 737 models must perform a general visual inspection of the PSU oxygen generator retention strap thermal pads by July 25, 2024. If pressure-sensitive adhesive pads are found, they must take corrective actions such as replacing PSU oxygen generators or thermal pads, repositioning generators, and verifying no oxygen has been expended. Installation of affected parts is prohibited from the effective date. Comments on the AD must be submitted by August 26, 2024.