(a) COMMENTS DUE DATE
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by
May 9, 2024.
(b) AFFECTED ADS
This AD replaces AD 2023-13-11, Amendment 39-22496 (88 FR 50011,
August 1, 2023) (AD 2023-13-11).
(c) APPLICABILITY
This AD applies to AVOX Systems Inc. (formerly 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) hav-
ing 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 Regional Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and
-500 airplanes.
(11) ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Regional 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 hav-
ing oxygen leakage from the valve assembly vent hole, caused by the
absence of a guide that maintains appropriate spacing between certain
parts, and by the manufacturer identifying additional assemblies and
parts affected by the unsafe condition. 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 al-
ready done.
(g) RETAINED DEFINITION OF DETAILED INSPECTION, WITH NO CHANGES
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2023-
13-11, with no changes. For the purposes of this AD, a detailed in-
spection 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) RETAINED IDENTIFICATION OF AFFECTED CYLINDER AND VALVE ASSEMBLIES,
WITH NO CHANGES
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2023-
13-11, with no changes. 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
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) RETAINED INSPECTION OF THE GAP, PARTS MARKING ACTIONS AND REPLACEMENT,
WITH NO CHANGES
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 2023-
13-11, 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) RETAINED REPORTING AND RETURN OF PARTS, WITH NO CHANGES
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (j) of AD 2023-
13-11, with no changes.
(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 informa-
tion identified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of this AD.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after September 5, 2023 (the effec-
tive date of AD 2023-13-11): Submit the report within 30 days after
the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before September 5, 2023 (the effective
date of AD 2023-13-11): Submit the report within 30 days after Sep-
tember 5, 2023.
(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 September 5, 2023 (the effec-
tive date of AD 2023-13-11): Return the assembly within 30 days after
the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before September 5, 2023 (the effective
date of AD 2023-13-11): Return the assembly within 30 days after Sep-
tember 5, 2023.
(k) RETAINED PARTS INSTALLATION LIMITATION, WITH NO CHANGES
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (k) of AD 2023-
13-11, with no changes. As of September 5, 2023 (the effective date of
AD 2023-13-11), 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) NEW IDENTIFICATION OF ADDITIONAL AFFECTED CYLINDER AND VALVE ASSEM-
BLIES
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 3, "Affected Shipments," of the
applicable service information identified in paragraphs (l)(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 04,
dated November 9, 2023.
(2) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-02, Revision 06,
dated August 30, 2023.
(3) AVOX Systems 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
service information identified in paragraphs (l)(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 (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 service information identified in paragraphs (l)(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 (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 service information
identified in paragraphs (l)(1) through (3) of this AD; and replace
with a serviceable assembly.
(n) NEW REPORTING AND RETURN OF ADDITIONAL PARTS
(1) Report the results of the inspection required by paragraph (m) of this
AD within the applicable time specified in paragraph (n)(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 (l)(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: Sub-
mit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
(2) 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)(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 (l)(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: Re-
turn the assembly within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
(o) NEW 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 3, "Affected Shipments,"
of any AVOX Systems Inc. service information identified in paragraphs
(l)(1) through (3) of this AD may be installed on any airplane unless
the requirements of paragraph (m) of this AD have been accomplished on
that affected assembly.
(p) 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
September 5, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2023-13-11), using the
service information specified in paragraphs (p)(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
September 5, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2023-13-11), using the
service information 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 service information
specified in paragraphs (p)(3)(i) through (ii) of this AD. This
service information 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.
(q) 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
(r) of this AD or email to: 9-avs-nyaco-cos@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal in-
spector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the respon-
sible Flight Standards Office.
(3) AMOCs approved for AD 2023-13-11 are approved as AMOCs for the corre-
sponding provisions of this AD.
(r) RELATED INFORMATION
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Gabriel Kim, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone 516-228-7343; email 9-avs-nyaco-cos@faa.gov.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by
reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (s)(5) of
this AD.
(s) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on [DATE 35
DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE].
(i) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-01, Revision 04,
dated November 9, 2023.
(ii) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-02, Revision 06,
dated August 30, 2023.
(iii) AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-03, Revision
05, dated September 29, 2023.
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on September 5,
2023 (88 FR 50013, 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 service information 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 service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Prod-
ucts 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 Admin-
istration (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.
Issued on March 18, 2024. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 9, 2024.
|
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-0759; Project Identifier AD-2023-01040-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; AVOX Systems Inc. (Formerly Scott
Aviation) Oxygen Cylinder and Valve Assemblies; and Oxygen Valve
Assemblies
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive
(AD)
2023-13-11, which applies 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 requires an inspection of the oxygen valve
assemblies, and oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies, to determine the
serial number of the valve, cylinder, and entire assembly; and for
certain assemblies and parts, a detailed inspection for correct spacing
of the gap between the bottom of the packing retainer and top of the
valve body on the assemblies and replacement of assemblies having
unacceptable gaps. AD 2023-13-11 also limits the installation of
affected parts under certain conditions and requires reporting
inspection results and returning certain assemblies to the
manufacturer. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-13-11, the manufacturer
identified additional assemblies and parts subject to the unsafe
condition. This proposed AD would continue to require the actions
specified in AD 2023-13-11 and require similar actions for those
additional assemblies and parts. The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by May
9,
2024.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in
14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
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 NPRM, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact
AVOX Systems Inc., 225 Erie Street, Lancaster, NY 14086; telephone 716-
683-5100; website safranaerosystems.com.
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gabriel Kim, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-
228-7343; email 9-avs-nyaco-cos@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2024-0759; Project Identifier
AD-2023-01040-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
the proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this proposed AD.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Gabriel Kim, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7343; email
9-avs-nyaco-cos@faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives that is
not
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for
this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA issued AD 2023-13-11, Amendment 39-22496 (88 FR 50011,
August 1, 2023) (AD 2023-13-11), for 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). AD 2023-13-11
requires an inspection of the oxygen valve assemblies, and oxygen
cylinder and valve assemblies, to determine the serial number of the
valve, cylinder, and entire assembly. For assemblies and parts with
certain serial numbers, AD 2023-13-11 also requires a detailed
inspection for correct spacing of the gap between the bottom of the
packing retainer and top of the valve body on the assemblies, and
replacement of assemblies having unacceptable gaps. AD 2023-13-11 also
limits the installation of affected parts under certain conditions and
requires reporting inspection results and returning certain assemblies
to the manufacturer. The agency issued AD 2023-13-11 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.
Actions Since AD 2023-13-11 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2023-13-11, the manufacturer identified
additional assemblies and parts, including a new part number 89794050
for oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies, that are subject to the
unsafe condition. New service information has been issued that expands
the population of discrepant parts, providing more serial numbers for
which to inspect.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other
products of the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed the following service information. This service
information specifies procedures for an inspection to determine the
serial numbers of the oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies, and the
oxygen valve assemblies, a detailed inspection for correct spacing of
the gap between the bottom of the packing retainer and top of the valve
body on the assemblies, parts marking, inspection report, and return of
parts to the manufacturer. These documents are distinct since they
apply to different assembly part numbers.
AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-01,
Revision 04, dated November 9, 2023.
AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-02,
Revision 06, dated August 30, 2023.
AVOX Systems Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 10015804-35-03,
Revision 05, dated September 29, 2023.
This AD also requires the following service information, 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 service information 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.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 2023-
13-11. This proposed AD would apply to additional assemblies and parts,
including a new part number, 89794050, for oxygen cylinder and valve
assemblies. This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions
specified in the service information described previously. This
proposed AD would also limit the installation of affected parts under
certain conditions and require returning the affected parts and sending
the inspection results to the manufacturer.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 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
proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
| Action |
Labor cost |
Parts cost |
Cost per
product
|
Cost on
U.S. operators |
| Serial number inspection (retained
action from AD 2023-13-11) |
1 work-hour x $85 per hour
= $85 |
None |
$85 |
$321,045 |
| Reporting (retained action from
AD 2023-13-11) |
1 work-hour x $85 per hour
= $85 |
$0 |
85 |
321,045 |
The FAA estimates the following costs
to do any necessary actions
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection.
The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might
need these actions:
On-Condition Costs
| Action |
Labor cost |
Parts cost |
Cost per product |
| Detailed inspection |
1 work-hour x $85 per hour =
$85 |
$0 |
$85 |
| Replacement |
1 work-hour x $85 per hour =
$85 |
(*) |
85 |
| Return of parts |
1 work-hour x $85 per hour =
$85 |
** 50 |
135 |
* 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 proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the
cost impact on affected operators.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, completing and reviewing the collection of
information. All responses to this collection of information are
mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other
aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for
reducing this burden to: Information Collection Clearance Officer,
Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX
76177-1524.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
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
The FAA has determined that this proposed AD would not have
federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD
would 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by:
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-13-11, Amendment 39-22496
(88 FR 50011, August 1, 2023), and
b. Adding the following new AD:
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