FAA Wants More Checks on Boeing 737 Escape Slides for Safety
Published Date: 4/10/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating safety rules for certain Boeing 737 airplanes, including some new models like the 737-8200. They want airlines to keep checking and replacing escape slide assemblies to keep passengers safe. Comments on this proposal are open until May 27, 2025, and these changes could mean some extra inspections and replacements for airlines.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Replace affected escape slide assemblies
If an escape slide assembly with part number (P/N) 5A3307-7 is found, operators must replace it with P/N 5A3307-9 or P/N 5A3307-701 (the latter is a modified assembly). The FAA estimates on-condition replacement costs up to $85 labor plus up to $19,000 for parts — up to $19,085 per escape slide assembly.
Reduces risk of uncommanded slide inflation
The AD is intended to prevent uncommanded escape slide inflation in the passenger cabin caused by excessive inflation cable tension and slide movement in its compartment. The FAA says the condition could result in injury to passengers and crew during normal operation or could render an exit unusable during an emergency evacuation.
Inspections required for more 737 models
The FAA would require inspection of all escape slide assemblies on Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, -900ER, 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 airplanes. The proposed rule would affect 2,666 U.S.-registered airplanes; the FAA estimates an inspection or maintenance-records review costs $170 per airplane (2 work-hours x $85/hour).
Maintenance records acceptable instead of inspection
For the required check to determine whether P/N 5A3307-7 is installed, the AD allows a review of airplane maintenance records instead of a physical inspection if the part number can be conclusively determined from those records.
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