EASA SIB 2008-21
FOLA Airsafe Sweden AB Life Vests
Summary
EASA Safety Information Notice No. 2008-21 addresses safety concerns related to FOLA Airsafe Sweden AB life vests, specifically types A-190 and A-290. The notice highlights a manufacturing issue involving incorrect zippers that could cause uncontrolled inflation of these life vests. This applies to all aircraft carrying these life vests, whether installed or carried as personal equipment.
What Changed
This notice introduces awareness of a manufacturing non-conformity affecting the zipper assembly on FOLA Airsafe life vests A-190 and A-290. It references the Swedish Civil Aviation Authority Airworthiness Directive 1-201 and FOLA Airsafe Service Bulletin 9-387 rev. A, which mandate inspection and corrective actions. EASA clarifies that the issue is not related to design approval but is a serious safety concern requiring national authorities' attention.
Why It Matters
The zipper defect can lead to uncontrolled inflation of life vests, posing a significant safety risk during emergency situations. Aviation operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure that affected life vests are inspected and corrected to maintain passenger safety and regulatory compliance. Failure to address this issue could compromise emergency preparedness and regulatory adherence.
What To Do
Operators and maintenance personnel should perform the inspection and any necessary corrective actions as described in FOLA Airsafe Service Bulletin 9-387 rev. A or later revisions. These actions must be completed within three months from the effective date of the Swedish Airworthiness Directive, which is 1 March 2008. National aviation authorities may enforce this directive under their jurisdiction.
Your fleet's weekly compliance brief
AI-summarized regulatory changes, compliance deadlines, and action items — filtered to your aircraft, every Monday.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.