The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently mandated inspections for approximately 2,600 Boeing 737 airplanes due to potential oxygen mask malfunctions during emergencies. This directive comes after multiple reports indicating that passenger service unit oxygen generators have been shifting out of position, which could prevent the supply of supplemental oxygen to passengers during a depressurization event.
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The FAA's airworthiness directive is effective immediately and requires inspections and corrective actions within 120 to 150 days based on the 737 model. Airlines must conduct a general visual inspection and, if needed, replace oxygen generators with new or serviceable oxygen generators, strap thermal pads, and reposition impacted oxygen generators. The FAA's decision to mandate these inspections follows Boeing's bulletin to airlines on June 17, 2024, urging them to perform visual inspections to identify and mitigate this issue.
Boeing has since returned to using its original adhesive for all new deliveries to ensure the generators remain firmly in place, as intended. The affected airplanes include both Boeing 737 MAX and Next Generation models. On average, a 737 has 61 oxygen generators, each with two straps. The FAA's directive aims to ensure the oxygen supply system's safety and reliability in an emergency.
This latest development adds to Boeing's challenges, as the company recently reached a deal with the U.S. Department of Justice over two fatal 737 MAX crashes. The agreement includes a $243.6 million fine and a three-year probation period with a "hand-picked" monitor. As the aviation industry continues to prioritize safety, the FAA's inspection order serves as a crucial step in maintaining the highest standards of airworthiness for Boeing 737 airplanes.