EASA SIB NM-20-02
Boeing 737-8 and 737-9 Aeroplanes - Fire Protection
Summary
The Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SAIB: NM-20-02 is an FAA informational bulletin addressing a fire protection concern on Boeing 737-8 and 737-9 airplanes. It highlights a potential issue with the red shipping cap left on the inlet port of electronic equipment bay smoke detectors, specifically part number 2156-756A. The bulletin does not mandate corrective action but provides guidance to operators.
What Changed
This bulletin introduces awareness of a potential concern where the red shipping cap on the inlet port of the E/E cooling supply smoke detectors may not have been removed during production on certain Boeing 737-8 and 737-9 airplanes. It references Boeing Service Letter 737-SL-26-069-A for instructions on removing the protective cap but does not issue an airworthiness directive or require regulatory compliance.
Why It Matters
This information is important for aviation professionals because the presence of the red shipping cap could affect the proper functioning of smoke detectors in the electronic equipment bay, potentially impacting fire detection capabilities. Operators and maintenance teams need to be aware of this issue to ensure safety systems are fully operational and to avoid any inadvertent safety risks during aircraft operation.
What To Do
Owners and operators of affected Boeing 737-8 and 737-9 airplanes are recommended to follow the instructions in Boeing Service Letter 737-SL-26-069-A to access and remove the red protective cap from the E/E cooling supply smoke detector at the earliest opportunity. There is no mandatory compliance deadline, but prompt action is advised to maintain fire protection integrity.