Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318-111 and -112 airplanes, and Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of silicon particles inside the oxygen generator manifolds, which had chafed from the mask hoses during installation onto the generator outlets. This proposed AD would require identifying the part number and serial number of each passenger oxygen container, replacing the oxygen generator manifold of the affected oxygen container with a serviceable manifold, and performing an operational check of the manual mask release and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct non-serviceable oxygen generator manifolds, which could reduce or block the oxygen supply, which could result in injury to passengers when oxygen supply is needed.

Agency Contact: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1405; fax (425) 227-1149.