AD/AMD 20/27 - Passenger Oxygen Masks

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, establish a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure the safety of civil aviation within the country. A specific legislative instrument, F2006B02366, was introduced to address identified safety concerns with certain models of aircraft. This instrument, which is a part of the broader Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically targets the issue of faulty passenger oxygen masks on Fan Jet Falcon, Mystère Falcon 20, and Mystère Falcon 200 series aeroplanes. The problem arose from instances where incorrect parts were installed, leading to potential safety risks during flights where supplemental oxygen was required for passengers. The policy objective of this directive is to mandate functional testing and replacement of faulty components, ensuring that such defects do not compromise passenger safety. The enacting body, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, has issued this directive to rectify the identified safety issue. By requiring a functional test of the passenger oxygen masks and mandating the installation of specific parts, the directive aims to prevent the use of incorrect components that could fail during critical flight conditions. Additionally, it stipulates that seats equipped with non-compliant oxygen systems must be placarded and not occupied when supplemental oxygen is required. This measure ensures that any potential safety hazards are mitigated promptly, thus enhancing overall aviation safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to all Fan Jet Falcon, Mystère Falcon 20, and Mystère Falcon 200 series aeroplanes that are equipped with Eros passenger oxygen masks bearing specific part numbers. These part numbers include MW 37-09, MW 37-11, MW 37-14, MW 37-18, MW 37-28, MW 37-31, and MW 37-36. Notably, these oxygen masks must have been installed as in-service replacements after January 1997. The directive mandates a functional test of these passenger oxygen masks to ensure they meet the safety standards stipulated in the applicable maintenance manual procedures, and that the passenger oxygen mask bag is of the correct part number, Scott P/N 289-601-235. If an incorrect part number is detected or the mask fails the functional test, the directive requires the installation of a placard on or adjacent to the affected seat, prohibiting its use during flights where supplemental oxygen is required for passengers. Compliance with these requirements must be achieved within ten flights after the directive's effective date of 2 August 1999, and any necessary replacements and removal of placards must be completed within one calendar month following the functional test.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the airworthiness of certain Fan Jet Falcon, Mystère Falcon 20, and Mystère Falcon 200 series aeroplanes equipped with Eros passenger oxygen masks. The Airworthiness Directive AD/AMD 20/27 mandates the inspection and replacement of passenger oxygen masks installed after January 1997, with Part Numbers MW 37-09, MW 37-11, MW 37-14, MW 37-18, MW 37-28, MW 37-31, and MW 37-36. The directive is effective from 2 August 1999 and requires operators to perform a functional test of these masks according to the maintenance manual procedures and verify that the Scott P/N 289-601-235 passenger oxygen mask bag is installed. If an incorrect Part Number is found or the mask fails the functional test, the operator must install a placard on or near the seat stating "THIS SEAT IS NOT TO BE OCCUPIED DURING FLIGHT WHERE PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN IS REQUIRED TO BE AVAILABLE," and replace the faulty mask. The obligations imposed by this directive are twofold: first, operators must conduct a functional test within ten flights of the directive's effective date; second, they must replace any incorrect oxygen masks before further flight and within one calendar month following the initial inspection and functional test. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in significant safety risks, as highlighted by the French DGAC's discovery of cracked oxygen mask bags on Mystère Falcon 50 aeroplanes, which were found to have the incorrect Scott P/N 289-801-235 bags installed. This directive serves as a preventive measure to ensure that such faults are detected and rectified before they can compromise passenger safety. The consequences for non-compliance with this Airworthiness Directive are potentially severe, given the critical role of passenger oxygen masks in flight safety. While specific penalties are not detailed in the directive itself, non-compliance with CASA regulations can lead to enforcement actions, including fines, operational restrictions, or even the grounding of the aircraft. The severity of these penalties may depend on the extent and impact of the non-compliance, as well as any resulting safety incidents. Operators are thus strongly incentivised to adhere to the directive's requirements to avoid such repercussions.