Federal Register #2026-09659

FAA Directive: Replacement of Obsolete Oxygen Generator Clamps on Airbus A350 Aircraft

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, has issued an airworthiness directive (AD) targeting all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes to address safety concerns related to oxygen generator clamps. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service, Continued Operational Safety Branch - OEMs and Vendors: - Airbus SAS (aircraft manufacturer) - Collins (manufacturer of the new oxygen generator clamp) - Products/Services Requested: - Replacement of obsolete chemical oxygen generator clamps on Airbus A350-941 and -1041 aircraft - Estimated quantity: 38 U.S.-registered airplanes - Compliance with EASA AD 20250138 required - Prohibition of certain maintenance actions using outdated procedures - Prohibition of installation of affected (obsolete) clamp parts - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Addresses obsolescence and incorrect torque specifications for new clamps from a different manufacturer - Requires strict adherence to updated maintenance procedures and documentation - Estimated compliance cost up to $260,050 per airplane - Allows for alternative methods of compliance if approved by the FAA - Places of Performance/Delivery: - FAA Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198 - U.S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590

Description

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD addresses the obsolescence of the clamp holding the oxygen generator in place and the introduction of a new clamp with different locking torque specifications not properly reflected in Airbus documentation. The directive requires replacing each affected part, prohibits maintenance actions using certain versions of a maintenance procedure task, and prohibits installation of affected parts. The AD aims to address an unsafe condition that could reduce the available oxygen capacity on the airplane, potentially resulting in injury to occupants.

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