Boeing 737s Under Scrutiny by FAA Over Mask Failures
The Federal Aviation Administration has mandated inspections for 2,600 Boeing 737 airplanes due to potential issues with the passenger oxygen masks. The problem lies with the retention strap, which could cause the oxygen generators to shift out of position, potentially leading to a failure to provide supplemental oxygen to passengers during depressurization.
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Boeing, in response, has issued a bulletin to airlines for visual inspections and has reverted to the original adhesive for the restraining straps to ensure the oxygen generators stay securely in place. Inspections of the entire fleet of planes did not reveal any units that were not functioning correctly.
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The FAA’s directive is effective immediately and requires inspections and necessary corrective actions to be completed within 120 to 150 days, depending on the 737 model. Additionally, airlines are prohibited from installing potentially defective parts and are required to conduct general visual inspections and replace and reposition oxygen generators if necessary. On average, a 737 plane has 61 oxygen generators, each with two straps.
