The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an urgent directive requiring inspections of 2,600 Boeing 737 airplanes. This action comes in response to reports that passenger oxygen masks may fail during emergencies, potentially jeopardizing passenger safety.
The FAA's decision targets both 737 MAX and Next Generation (NG) models following multiple incidents where passenger service unit oxygen generators shifted out of position. Such malfunctions could lead to a lack of supplemental oxygen supply during aircraft depressurization, posing significant risks.
In response to these concerns, Boeing released a bulletin to airlines on June 17, urging them to perform visual inspections of the affected models. The FAA has made its airworthiness directive immediately effective, mandating that airlines complete the necessary inspections and implement corrective measures within 120 to 150 days, depending on the specific 737 model.
Airlines are required to conduct thorough visual inspections and, if issues are detected, replace the faulty oxygen generators with new or serviceable units, secure thermal pads, and reposition any displaced oxygen generators. These steps are crucial to ensure that supplemental oxygen systems function correctly in the event of an emergency.
This proactive approach by the FAA aims to enhance passenger safety and maintain confidence in one of the world's most widely used commercial aircraft. By addressing these potential issues swiftly, the FAA and Boeing are working together to uphold the highest safety standards in aviation.
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2,600 Boeing 737 airplanes face FAA inspection over oxygen mask issue
cgtn.com
