Easa Ad Us-2024-19-15 1
Easa Ad Us-2024-19-15 1
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
RIN 2120-AA64
AGENCY:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION:
Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-13-11, which applied to certain AVOX
Systems Inc. (formerly Scott Aviation) oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies, and oxygen valve
assemblies, installed on but not limited to various transport airplanes. AD 2023-13-11 required
inspecting the oxygen valve assemblies, and oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies, to determine the
serial number of the valve, cylinder, and entire assembly; inspecting certain assemblies and parts for
correct spacing of the gap between the bottom of the packing retainer and top of the valve body on the
assemblies, and replacing assemblies having unacceptable gaps. AD 2023-13-11 also limited the
installation of affected parts and required reporting inspection results and returning certain
assemblies to the manufacturer. This AD was prompted by the determination that additional
assemblies and parts are subject to the unsafe condition. This AD requires the actions specified in AD
2023-13-11 and expands the list of affected assemblies and parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES:
This AD is effective November 26, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications
listed in this AD as of November 26, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain other
publications listed in this AD as of September 5, 2023 (88 FR 50011, August 1, 2023).
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-0759; or
in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
▪ For AVOX and Safran Aerosystems material identified in this AD, contact AVOX Systems Inc., 225
Erie Street, Lancaster, NY 14086; telephone 716-683-5100; websitesafranaerosystems.com.
▪ You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available atregulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-0759.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD
2023-13-11, Amendment 39-22496 (88 FR 50011, August 1, 2023) (AD 2023-13-11). AD 2023-13-11
applied to certain AVOX Systems Inc. (formerly Scott Aviation) oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies,
and oxygen valve assemblies, installed on but not limited to various transport airplanes. AD 2023-13-
11 was prompted by reports of cylinder and valve assemblies having oxygen leakage from the valve
assembly vent hole, caused by the absence of a guide that maintains appropriate spacing between
certain parts, and by a determination that additional assemblies and parts are affected by the unsafe
condition addressed by AD 2022-04-09, Amendment 39-21951 (87 FR 10958, February 28, 2022) (AD
2022-04-09) (which was superseded by AD 2023-13-11).
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 25, 2024 (89 FR 20558). The NPRM was
prompted by a report that the manufacturer identified additional assemblies and parts subject to the
unsafe condition. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require the actions specified in AD
2023-13-11 and require similar actions for those additional assemblies and parts. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address oxygen leakage from the cylinder and valve assemblies, which could result in
decreased or insufficient oxygen supply during a depressurization event; and heating or flow friction,
which could cause an ignition event in the valve assembly.
Comments
The FAA received comments from four commenters, including Alaska Airlines (Alaska), American
Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Delta Air Lines (Delta), and SIAEC (SIA Engineering Company). The
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
The FAA disagrees with the request to revise paragraph (p)(3) of this AD. A global alternative method
of compliance (AMOC) letter, 753-23-00200, was issued for AD 2023-13-11 that identified the
required material in paragraphs (l)(1) through (3) of this AD as an acceptable AMOC. Accomplishment
of the required material before the effective date of this AD to comply with the requirements of this AD
is addressed by paragraph (f) of this AD. Paragraph (f) of this AD allows for the use of the required
material before the effective date of this AD. No change to the AD has been made in this regard.
The FAA agrees to clarify. Paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD still reference Revision 03 of the material
as the primary means of compliance for those parts identified in Appendices 1 or 2 of the referenced
material. Paragraph (p) of this AD references the other revision levels that are acceptable for credit if
they were used before certain effective dates. Paragraph (f) of this AD allows for the use of the required
material before the effective date of this AD. No change to this AD is necessary in this regard.
Request To Require Actions for All Serial Numbers Instead of List of Affected Serial Numbers
American Airlines requested revising the applicability of the proposed AD to apply to all serial
numbers of the affected part numbers, instead of adding groups of additional serial numbers in
superseding ADs. Alaska requested revising the requirements for the serial number inspection, in
particular, the ones in Appendix 3 of the required material referenced in paragraph (l) of the proposed
AD. Alaska explained that the reading and recording of the serial numbers in three different places on
the bottle leads to numerous discrepancies by personnel, which then leads to additional time spent
trying to review all the numbers and identify the affected airplanes, possibly leading to affected bottles
remaining on the airplane longer before being removed. Alaska suggested that a check for the
manufacturer date, and then if a bottle has an affected manufacture date, an inspection to determine if
the valve has a blue dot, would be sufficient to determine if an affected bottle is installed on the
airplane. Alaska also suggested that once an affected bottle is found, the operator could then choose to
accomplish the gap check and record the required serial numbers, or assume all affected bottles are
suspect, and then send any suspected bottle back to the vendor instead of doing a gap check and
subsequent serial number record-keeping.
The FAA does not agree to expand the applicability. Revising the applicability to refer to the date of
manufacture instead of the serial numbers that must be inspected would increase the burden on some
operators. However, operators choosing to inspect all the serial numbers of a part number may apply
for an AMOC using the procedures specified in paragraph (q) of this AD. No changes to this AD have
been made in this regard.
The FAA disagrees with the request. A global AMOC letter, 753-23-00200, was provided in December
2023 to provide relief for using later revisions of the material referenced in AD 2023-13-11, so
knowledge of the additional numbers of affected bottles identified in the later revisions of the material
would have been available since December 2023. In addition, the compliance time for most of the
bottles affected by AD 2023-13-11 would have elapsed in early November 2023. Replacement before
further flight ensures that airplanes are not knowingly flying with an unsafe condition. Operators may
also apply for an AMOC under the provisions of paragraph (q) of this AD. The FAA has not changed
the AD in this regard.
The FAA agrees to remove the inspection report that was proposed in paragraphs (j)(1) and (n)(1) of
the proposed AD for the reasons provided by the commenter. The subsequent paragraph identifiers
have been revised, and the cost estimate has been updated accordingly.
The FAA agrees there are discrepancies in the serial number lists. Paragraph (l)(1) of this AD has been
revised to correct the discrepancies.
The FAA contacted Safran for additional information regarding the comment, and provides the
following clarification. The “overhaul kit” does not always have the necessary parts and therefore does
not meet the intent of this AD. P/N 10015804 is a guide part number. If this part is missing, the gap
check will fail. However, if the tank undergoes an overhaul as outlined in the Component Maintenance
Manual (specified in paragraph 1.K of the applicable service bulletin), it will be equipped with the
necessary guide, reassembled, and tested for leaks and hydrostatic pressure. This process aligns with
the intent of this AD.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments received, and determined that air
safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, and any other changes
described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase
the economic burden on any operator.
▪ Safran Aerosystems Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-01, Revision 04, dated November 9, 2023.
▪ Safran Aerosystems Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-02, Revision 06, dated August 30, 2023.
▪ Safran Aerosystems Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-03, Revision 05, dated September 29, 2023.
This AD also requires the following material, which the Director of the Federal Register approved for
incorporation by reference as of September 5, 2023 (88 FR 50011, August 1, 2023).
▪ AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-01, Revision 03, dated June 7, 2021.
▪ AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-02, Revision 03, dated March 11, 2022.
▪ AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-03, Revision 03, dated June 18, 2021.
This material is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their
normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 3,777 oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies, and oxygen valve
assemblies, installed on various transport category airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the
following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary actions that would be required based on the
results of the inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need
these actions:
On-Condition Costs
* The FAA has received no definitive data on the parts cost for the on-condition replacement.
** The FAA has received no definitive data to provide cost estimates for the on-condition return
of parts, except the FAA estimates that it would take about 1 work-hour per product to comply
with the associated paperwork necessary for the return of parts and cost approximately $50 to
ship.
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. According to the manufacturer, however,
some or all of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III,
Section 44701: General requirements. Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting
safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and
procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the
scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the
States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small
entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
§ 39.13 [Amended]
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Safran Aerosytems (formerly AVOX Systems Inc.; Scott Aviation) oxygen cylinder
and valve assemblies having part number (P/N) 89794050, 89794077, 89794015, 891511-14, 806835-
01, 807982-01, 808433-01, or 891311-14; and oxygen valve assemblies (body and gage assemblies)
having P/N 807206-01. These assemblies might be installed on, but not limited to, the aircraft
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (12) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Airbus SAS Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes.
(2) Airbus SAS Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R,
and C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
(3) Airbus SAS Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes.
(4) Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(5) Airbus SAS Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, and -151N airplanes.
(6) Airbus SAS Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N,
and -273N airplanes.
(7) Airbus SAS Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N,
-272N, -251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, and -272NX airplanes.
(8) Airbus SAS Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342,
-343, and -941 airplanes.
(9) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, and -642 airplanes.
(10) ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 airplanes.
(11) ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A
airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
(h) Retained Identification of Affected Cylinder and Valve Assemblies, With Updated Language
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2023-13-11, with updated language.
Within 60 days after September 5, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2023-13-11), inspect the oxygen valve
assemblies, and oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies, to determine if the serial numbers of the valve,
cylinder, and entire assembly, are listed in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, “Affected Shipments,” of the
applicable material identified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of this AD. A review of airplane
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the serial numbers can be conclusively
determined from that review.
(1) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-01, Revision 03, dated June 7, 2021.
(2) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-02, Revision 03, dated March 11, 2022.
(3) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-03, Revision 03, dated June 18, 2021.
(i) Retained Inspection of the Gap, Parts Marking Actions, and Replacement, With Updated
Language
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 2023-13-11, with updated language. If,
during any inspection or records review required by paragraph (h) of this AD, any oxygen valve
assembly, valve or cylinder of an oxygen cylinder and valve assembly, or oxygen cylinder and valve
assembly having an affected serial number is found: Before further flight, do a detailed inspection for
correct spacing of the gap between the bottom of the packing retainer and top of the valve body, in
accordance with paragraph 3.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable material
identified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of this AD.
(1) If the gap is found to be acceptable, as defined in the applicable material identified in paragraphs
(h)(1) through (3) of this AD, before further flight, do the parts marking actions in accordance with
paragraph 3.D.(1) of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable material identified in
paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of this AD.
(2) If the gap is found to be unacceptable, as defined in the material identified in paragraphs (h)(1)
through (3) of this AD, before further flight, remove the affected assembly, in accordance with
paragraphs 3.D.(2) or 3.D.(3), as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable
material identified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of this AD; and replace with a serviceable
assembly.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after September 5, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2023-13-11):
Return the assembly within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before September 5, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2023-13-11): Return
the assembly within 30 days after September 5, 2023.
(1) Safran Aerosystem Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-01, Revision 04, dated November 9, 2023,
except as specified in paragraphs (l)(1)(i) and (ii).
(i) In rows 2 through 492 of table tab “89794077” in Appendix 3 of Safran Aerosystems Alert Service
Bulletin 10015804-35-01, Revision 04, dated November 9, 2023, the list of numbers in the “Valve
Serial #” and “Cylinder Serial #” columns have been transposed with each other and the list of
numbers in the “Valve Part #” and “Cylinder Part #” columns have also been transposed with each
other.
(ii) In rows 2 through 65 of table tab 891511-14 in Appendix 3 of Safran Aerosystems Alert Service
Bulletin 10015804-35-01, Revision 04, dated November 9, 2023, the list of numbers in the “Valve
Serial #” and “Cylinder Serial #” columns have been transposed with each other, and the list of
numbers in the “Valve Part #” and “Cylinder Part #” columns have been transposed with each other.
(2) Safran Aerosystems Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-02, Revision 06, dated August 30, 2023.
(3) Safran Aerosystems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-03, Revision 05, dated September 29,
2023.
(m) New Inspection of the Gap, Parts Marking Actions, and Replacement for Additional Parts
If, during any inspection or records review required by paragraph (l) of this AD, any oxygen valve
assembly, valve or cylinder of an oxygen cylinder and valve assembly, or oxygen cylinder and valve
assembly having an affected serial number is found: Before further flight, do a detailed inspection for
correct spacing of the gap between the bottom of the packing retainer and top of the valve body, in
accordance with paragraph 3.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable material
identified in paragraphs (l)(1) through (3) of this AD.
(1) If the gap is found to be acceptable, as defined in the applicable material identified in paragraphs (l)
(1) through (3) of this AD, before further flight, do the parts marking actions in accordance with
paragraph 3.D.(1) of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable material identified in
paragraphs (l)(1) through (3) of this AD.
(2) If the gap is found to be unacceptable, as defined in the material identified in paragraphs (l)(1)
through (3) of this AD, before further flight, remove the affected assembly, in accordance with
paragraphs 3.D.(2) or 3.D.(3), as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable
material identified in paragraphs (l)(1) through (3) of this AD; and replace with a serviceable assembly.
(n) New Return of Additional Parts
If, during the inspection required by paragraph (m) of this AD, any gap is found to be unacceptable,
within the applicable time specified in paragraph (n)(1) or (2) of this AD, return the assembly to the
manufacturer in accordance with paragraph 3.D.(2) or 3.D.(3), as applicable, of the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable material identified in paragraphs (l)(1) through (3) of this AD, except you
are not required to contact Safran Aerosystems for shipping instructions.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Return the assembly within 30
days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Return the assembly within 30 days
after the effective date of this AD.
(i) AVOX Systems Inc. Service Bulletin 10015804-35-01, dated March 6, 2019; and AVOX Systems Inc.
Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-01, Revision 01, dated July 9, 2019.
(ii) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-02, Revision 1, dated September 4, 2019.
(iii) AVOX Systems Inc. Service Bulletin 10015804-35-03, dated April 11, 2019; and AVOX Systems
Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-03, Revision 01, dated May 21, 2019.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in paragraphs (h) or (i) of this AD, if those
actions were performed before September 5, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2023-13-11), using the
material specified in paragraphs (p)(2)(i) through (iii) of this AD, which was incorporated by reference
in AD 2022-04-09.
(i) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-01, Revision 02, dated October 16, 2019.
(ii) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-02, Revision 2, dated October 31, 2019.
(iii) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-03, Revision 02, dated October 15, 2019.
(3) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in paragraphs (h), (i), (l), or (m) of this AD,
if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD, using the material specified in
paragraphs (p)(3)(i) through (ii) of this AD. This material is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(i) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-02, Revision 04, dated June 30, 2023; or
Revision 05, dated August 14, 2023.
(ii) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-03, Revision 04, dated June 12, 2023.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a
principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(3) AMOCs approved for AD 2023-13-11 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of
this AD.
(2) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the address
specified in paragraph (s)(5) of this AD.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD
specifies otherwise.
(3) The following material was approved for IBR on November 26, 2024.
(i) Safran Aerosystems Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-01, Revision 04, dated November 9, 2023.
(ii) Safran Aerosystems Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-02, Revision 06, dated August 30, 2023.
(iii) Safran Aerosystems Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-03, Revision 05, dated September 29,
2023.
(4) The following material was approved for IBR on September 5, 2023 (88 FR 50011, August 1, 2023).
(i) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-01, Revision 03, dated June 7, 2021.
(ii) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-02, Revision 03, dated March 11, 2022.
(iii) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-03, Revision 03, dated June 18, 2021.
(5) For material identified in this AD, contact AVOX Systems Inc., 225 Erie Street, Lancaster, NY
14086; telephone 716-683-5100; website safranaerosystems.com.
(6) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call 206-231-3195.
(7) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov.
Victor Wicklund,