The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated inspections of oxygen generators on a significant portion of Boeing's 737 fleet registered in the United States. This directive, issued on July 8th, comes after reports surfaced of these generators potentially shifting out of place, jeopardizing their ability to deliver oxygen in emergencies.
The FAA emphasized that this airworthiness directive is a standard procedure used to address potential safety concerns in aircraft. These inspections will be visual for both older 737 models and the currently flying Max variants. In some instances, further work may be needed to ensure the generators are securely positioned.
The move comes at a time when Boeing is under heightened scrutiny regarding quality control and safety measures. In January, an Alaska Airlines flight experienced a mid-air door plug blowout, further intensifying this focus. Boeing's stock price dipped following the FAA announcement, erasing earlier gains and reflecting a year-to-date decline of nearly 30%.
While the FAA has not grounded any aircraft, the directive necessitates that airlines schedule inspections within specified timeframes. The exact timeframe will vary depending on the specific model and maintenance history of each aircraft. The FAA anticipates these inspections to have a minimal impact on flight operations.
The oxygen generators onboard an aircraft supply supplemental oxygen to pilots and passengers in the case of decompression at high altitudes. This decompression scenario can occur due to various reasons, including malfunctioning cabin pressurization systems or damage caused by external factors. A functional oxygen supply system is critical for maintaining passenger and crew safety during such emergencies.
While the exact cause of the reported generator movement remains under investigation, the FAA is acting swiftly to ensure these systems are secure and operational across the affected Boeing fleet. This directive reflects the agency's commitment to prioritizing airworthiness and passenger safety.