AD/B767/142 - Oxygen Generators

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Legislation au F2006B03319 In force Legislative Instrument

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AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

 

Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes

 

AD/B767/142 Oxygen Generators  7/2001 DM

 

Applicability:  Model 767 series aeroplanes, equipped with chemical oxygen generators, as listed in the following Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletins:

 

B767-35-0043 dated 1 March 2001, and

B767-35-0044 dated 1 March 2001.

 

Requirement: 1. For airplanes having any chemical oxygen generator and/or passenger, attendant, or lavatory service unit assembly that contains a chemical oxygen generator that has been replaced, carry out a detailed visual inspection of the chemical oxygen generator of the applicable assembly to verify correct installation of the release pin in the generator firing mechanism in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of either Service Bulletin (SB) B767-35-0043 or B767-35-0044, as applicable.

 

Note 1: For the purposes of this Directive, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: "An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required."

 

Note 2: The release pin and safety pin are located in the generator firing mechanism. The safety pin hole is the hole in the generator firing mechanism that is closest to the main body of the generator. The release pin hole is the hole in the generator firing mechanism located furthest from the main body of the generator. The centre axis of the release pin hole is perpendicular to the centre axis of the safety pin hole.

 

Note 3: Inspections and corrective action carried out before the effective date of this Directive, per Boeing Telex M-7200-00-02474, dated 9, 13, 19, or 31October 2000; or Boeing Telex M-7200-00-03040, dated 18 December 2000; are considered acceptable for compliance with the initial inspection and corrective action specified in Requirement 1. However, prior accomplishment of the inspections and corrective action specified in the telexes does not eliminate the need for the inspection each time an oxygen generator is replaced.

 

Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes

 

AD/B767/142 (Continued)

 

2. If any discrepancy is found during the Requirement 1 inspection carry out the corrective action per the applicable SBs listed in Requirement 1 above.

 

Note 4: FAA AD 2001-10-14 Amdt 39-12240 refers.

 

Compliance: For Requirement 1 - Initially, within 90 days after the effective date of this Directive.

In addition, before further flight, after each replacement of any chemical oxygen generator and/or passenger, attendant, or lavatory service unit assembly that contains a chemical oxygen generator.

 

For Requirement 2 - Before further flight after the Requirement 1 inspection. This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 9 June 2001.

Background: This Directive requires the repetitive inspection of any chemical oxygen generators and/or passenger, attendant, or lavatory service unit assemblies of the passenger oxygen system that have been replaced. This inspection is to verify correct installation of the release pin in the generator firing mechanism of the oxygen generator. The Directive also requires any necessary corrective action to be accomplished.

 

This action is necessary to find and fix incorrect installation of the release pin in the generator firing mechanism, which could result in the unavailability of supplemental oxygen and possible incapacitation of passengers and cabin crew during an in-flight decompression.


 

Eugene Paul Holzapfel

Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 29 May 2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 6 June 2001.

Overview

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 is aimed at ensuring the safety of Boeing 767 series aeroplanes equipped with chemical oxygen generators. Specifically, AD/B767/142 addresses the risk of incorrect installation of the release pin in the generator firing mechanism, which could lead to the unavailability of supplemental oxygen during an in-flight decompression, potentially resulting in the incapacitation of passengers and cabin crew. This AD applies to Boeing 767 series aeroplanes with chemical oxygen generators, as detailed in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletins B767-35-0043 and B767-35-0044, both dated 1 March 2001. The policy objective is to mandate a detailed visual inspection of any replaced chemical oxygen generator and to ensure corrective actions are taken if any discrepancies are found. This directive was published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 6 June 2001, and it became effective on 9 June 2001.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies to the Boeing 767 series aeroplanes equipped with chemical oxygen generators, as specified in the Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletins B767-35-0043 and B767-35-0044 dated 1 March 2001. The directive mandates a comprehensive inspection and corrective action process for these aircraft to ensure the safe and proper installation of chemical oxygen generators, which are crucial for passenger and crew safety in case of in-flight decompression. The inspection must be conducted within 90 days of the directive's effective date and before further flight after each replacement of any chemical oxygen generator or related assembly. This requirement is integral to preventing potential oxygen system failures that could lead to incapacitation of those on board. The directive, published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 6 June 2001, is a binding legislative instrument aimed at maintaining the airworthiness of affected aircraft within Australia's jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this Airworthiness Directive (AD/B767/142) pertain to the inspection and corrective actions required for Boeing 767 series aeroplanes equipped with chemical oxygen generators. Specifically, Section 1 mandates a detailed visual inspection of any chemical oxygen generator that has been replaced, to ensure the correct installation of the release pin in the generator firing mechanism (section 1). Section 2 requires corrective actions to be taken if any discrepancies are found during the inspection, as outlined in the relevant Boeing Service Bulletins (section 2). The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties it governs are significant. Operators of Boeing 767 series aeroplanes must conduct the detailed visual inspections and corrective actions as specified in the AD. This includes ensuring that the inspections are performed within 90 days after the AD's effective date and before further flight after each replacement of any chemical oxygen generator (section "Compliance"). Additionally, any discrepancies identified during the inspection must be rectified before the aeroplane is flown again (section 2). Failure to comply with the requirements of this AD may result in serious safety risks, including the unavailability of supplemental oxygen and potential incapacitation of passengers and crew during an in-flight decompression. The AD also explicitly notes that prior inspections and corrective actions carried out before the AD's effective date are considered acceptable but do not eliminate the need for the inspection each time an oxygen generator is replaced. The consequences of non-compliance could be severe, including potential civil penalties or enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). While the AD does not explicitly state maximum penalties, non-compliance with CASA directives generally can result in substantial fines and other regulatory consequences.

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.