EASA SIB CE-19-04: Collins Aerospace - Crew Oxygen System - Full Face Mask / Smoke Goggle Visibility

What to do

Operators should physically inspect affected Collins Aerospace masks at the next scheduled maintenance interval to check for lens blooming. They should consider increasing inspection frequency if preflight procedures do not require mask removal and inspection. If lens clarity is compromised, cleaning must follow the manufacturer's Service Information Letter 1746XX-SIL-001, and unauthorized cleaning agents should be avoided. Flight crews and maintenance personnel must be advised accordingly.

Summary

The FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SAIB: CE-19-04 titled "Collins Aerospace - Crew Oxygen System - Full Face Mask / Smoke Goggle Visibility" addresses a visibility issue affecting full face masks and smoke goggles manufactured by Collins Aerospace, installed on various aircraft including Boeing and Bombardier models. The bulletin informs operators and maintenance personnel about a lens haze condition known as "blooming" that can restrict pilot visibility during use. It highlights that this issue is not currently considered an unsafe condition warranting an airworthiness directive.

What changed

This bulletin introduces awareness of a visibility concern related to Collins Aerospace full face masks with part numbers 1746XX-XX, following an incident reported by the Air Accident Investigation Unit of Ireland. It provides background on the issue, including previous reports from 2017 and the manufacturer's Service Information Letter 1746XX-SIL-001, which outlines proper cleaning procedures to mitigate lens haze. The FAA is investigating the root cause and working with Collins Aerospace but has not mandated regulatory action at this time.

Why it matters

This information is important for aviation professionals because reduced visibility through crew oxygen masks can impair pilot performance during critical flight operations, especially in smoke or emergency conditions. Operators and maintenance teams need to be aware of the potential for unnoticed lens haze that could compromise safety. Proper inspection and cleaning procedures help maintain mask functionality and ensure compliance with operational safety standards.