2023-13-12: 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 adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2023-13-12 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22497; Docket No. FAA-2022-1479; Project Identifier AD-2022-00703-T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 5, 2023. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, 737-200, 737-200C, 737-300, 737-400, 737-500, 737-600, 737-700, 737-700C, 737-800, 737-900, 737-900ER, 757-200, 757-200PF, 757-200CB, 757-300, 767-200, 767-300, 767-300F, and 767-400ER series airplanes, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of premature aging of certain chemical oxygen generators. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this premature aging that resulted in the generators failing to activate, which could fail to deliver oxygen during an emergency, possibly resulting in injury to the airplane occupants. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Oxygen Generator Part Number Inspection Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Inspect passenger chemical oxygen generators having part numbers 117080-02, 117080-03, and 117080-04 to determine their date of manufacture. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable for the inspection, provided the date of manufacture can be conclusively determined by that review. (h) Definition For purposes of this AD, a serviceable unit is a passenger chemical oxygen generator that meets the condition specified in either paragraph (h)(1) or (2) of this AD. (1) Part numbers 117080-02, 117080-03, and 117080-04, with a manufacturing date not older than 10 years. (2) Approved part numbers other than 117080-02, 117080-03, and 117080-04, provided the generator has not exceeded the life limit established for that generator by the manufacturer. (i) Oxygen Generator Replacement For any passenger chemical oxygen generators having part numbers 117080-02, 117080-03, and 117080-04: At the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) through (4) of this AD, replace the chemical oxygen generator with a serviceable unit, as defined in this AD. Thereafter, replace chemical oxygen generators having part numbers 117080-02, 117080-03, and 117080-04 with serviceable units, as defined in this AD, before exceeding 10 years since date of manufacture. Note 1 to paragraph (i): Additional guidance for replacing the affected passenger chemical oxygen generators can be found in Collins Aerospace Service Information Letter 117080-SIL-002, dated May 4, 2022, and approved maintenance procedures. (1) After doing the inspection in paragraph (g) of this AD: If the passenger chemical oxygen generator has a date of manufacture in 2008 or earlier, replace before further flight or within 15 years since the date of manufacture, whichever occurs later. (2) For passenger chemical oxygen generators that have a date of manufacture in 2009 or 2010: Replace within 12 months after the effective date of this AD. (3) For passenger chemical oxygen generators that have a date of manufacture in 2011, 2012, or 2013: Replace within 24 months after the effective date of this AD. (4) For passenger chemical oxygen generators that have a date of manufacture in 2014 or later: Replace before exceeding 10 years since the date of manufacture, or within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (j) Parts Installation Limitation As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a passenger chemical oxygen generator, unless the oxygen generator is a serviceable unit, as defined in this AD. (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Continued Operational Safety 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. (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) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (l) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Nicole S. Tsang, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3959; email: [email protected]. (2) For Collins Aerospace service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference, contact Collins Aerospace, 15701 West 95th Street, Lenexa, KS 66219; email [email protected]; website tpi.beaerospace.com/Authentication. 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. (m) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued on June 30, 2023. Michael Linegang, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023-16121 Filed 7-28-23; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P