EASA SIB NM-09-29: Switlik Life Raft Systems installed on (but not limited to) Boeing 757

What to do

Owners and operators of transport category airplanes equipped with Switlik Life Raft Systems should follow the replacement guidelines in Switlik Service Bulletin 25-00-28 dated December 12, 2008. The FAA recommends completing these actions at the next scheduled maintenance interval of the life raft system. No immediate mandatory compliance deadline is specified.

Summary

Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin NM-09-29 is an FAA information bulletin addressing the potential failure of inflation valves on Switlik Life Raft Systems installed on transport category airplanes, including but not limited to Boeing 757 aircraft. The bulletin highlights affected part numbers such as S-2630-3 inflation valves and Switlik Life Raft part numbers D-806-551 through -575 inclusive, -663, -727, and their BV variants. This bulletin provides guidance but does not mandate regulatory action.

What changed

This bulletin introduces awareness of possible inflation valve failures on Switlik Life Raft Systems and references Switlik Parachute Company's Service Bulletin 25-00-28 for valve replacement guidelines. It does not impose mandatory airworthiness directives but recommends compliance with the service bulletin at the next scheduled maintenance interval.

Why it matters

The bulletin is important for aviation professionals because inflation valve failure could prevent proper life raft deployment in emergencies, impacting passenger safety. Operators and maintenance organizations need to be aware of this potential issue to ensure life raft reliability and maintain regulatory compliance. Early awareness helps prevent in-service failures and supports proactive maintenance planning.

What to do

Summary

What changed

Why it matters

More for Boeing 757