2023-13-11: Oxygen

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-04-09, Amendment 39-21951 (87 FR 10958, February 28, 2022); and b. Adding the following new AD: 2023-13-11 AVOX Systems Inc. (formerly Scott Aviation): Amendment 39-22496; Docket No. FAA-2023-0015; Project Identifier AD-2022-01281-T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 5, 2023. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2022-04-09, Amendment 39-21951 (87 FR 10958, February 28, 2022) (AD 2022-04-09). (c) Applicability This AD applies to AVOX Systems Inc. (formerly Scott Aviation) oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies having part number (P/N) 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. (12) The Boeing Company Model 747-8 series airplanes. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD 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. The FAA is issuing this AD to address oxygen leakage from cylinder and valve assemblies. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 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. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Definition of Detailed Inspection For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is an intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required. (h) Identification of Affected Cylinder and Valve Assemblies Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, 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 service information 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) Inspection of the Gap, Parts Marking Actions, and Replacement, With No Changes 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 service information identified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of this AD. (1) If the gap is found to be acceptable, as defined in the applicable service information 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 service information identified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of this AD. (2) If the gap is found to be unacceptable, as defined in the applicable service information 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 service information identified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of this AD; and replace with a serviceable assembly. (j) Reporting and Return of Parts (1) Report the results of the inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD within the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD. Report the results in accordance with paragraph 3.D.(1)(a) of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information identified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of this AD. (i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection. (ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. (2) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD, any gap is found to be unacceptable, within the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(2)(i) or (ii) 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 service information identified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of this AD, except you are not required to contact AVOX Systems Inc. for shipping instructions. (i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Return the assembly within 30 days after the inspection. (ii) 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. (k) Parts Installation Limitation As of the effective date of this AD, no AVOX Systems Inc. oxygen valve assembly, or valve or cylinder that is part of an oxygen cylinder and valve assembly, or oxygen cylinder and valve assembly having an affected serial number identified in Appendix 1, "Affected Shipments," or Appendix 2, "Affected Shipments," of any AVOX Systems Inc. service information identified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of this AD may be installed on any airplane unless the requirements of paragraph (i) of this AD have been accomplished on that affected assembly. (l) Credit for Previous Actions (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in paragraphs (h) or (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using the service information specified in paragraphs (l)(1)(i) through (iii) of this AD. This service information is not incorporated by reference in 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 the effective date of this AD using the service information specified in paragraphs (l)(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. (m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, East Certification Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the East Certification Branch, send it to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, at the address identified in paragraph (n) of this AD or email to: [email protected]. If mailing information, also submit information by email. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office. (n) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Elizabeth Dowling, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; email [email protected]. (o) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (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. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact AVOX Systems Inc., 225 Erie Street, Lancaster, NY 14086; telephone 716-683-5100; website safranaerosystems.com . (4) You may view this service information 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. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on July 7, 2023. Michael Linegang, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023-16192 Filed 7-31-23; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P