Airbus Planes Must Ditch Faulty Oxygen Generators FAA Says
Published Date: 2/4/2025
Rule
Summary
The FAA is requiring all Airbus SAS airplanes listed to replace certain oxygen generators that might not work when needed. This fix stops unsafe parts from being installed and keeps passengers safer. The new rule starts March 11, 2025, and could mean some costs for airlines to swap out these parts.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Replace faulty oxygen generators
The FAA requires replacing specified chemical oxygen generators on listed Airbus SAS airplane models and bans installing the affected parts. This AD is effective March 11, 2025, and was issued because some generators failed to activate and could reduce available oxygen, possibly injuring occupants.
Estimated operator parts and labor costs
The FAA estimates the rule affects 1,975 U.S.-registered airplanes. The replacement cost is estimated at $85 labor plus $500 parts = $585 per oxygen generator, and the FAA notes there could be, on average, 30 affected generators per airplane.
Mandatory inspection reporting deadlines
Operators must report inspection results to the manufacturer. If a generator was replaced on or after March 11, 2025, submit the report within 40 days after replacement; if replaced before that date, submit within 40 days after March 11, 2025. The FAA estimates reporting takes about 1 work-hour ($85) per response and totals $167,875 across affected U.S. airplanes.
No return-to-manufacturer shipping required
The FAA removed the NPRM requirement to return affected oxygen generators to Collins Aerospace. Reporting inspection results remains required, but returning the parts is not required by this AD; this change was made because returning suspect units could cause noncompliance with hazardous materials/ dangerous goods regulations.
Flexibility in removal/installation methods
Where the referenced EASA service information specifies removal/installation methods, the FAA allows either the method in the service information or the applicable Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) method to comply with this AD. This gives operators a choice of acceptable procedures for compliance.
Serial-number identification required
Operators must identify affected oxygen generators by the part number and serial number lists specified in EASA AD 2024-0198. The FAA rejected a request to allow identification by date of manufacture and requires use of serial numbers to ensure correct identification.
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