Airworthiness Directives; Aerospace & Defense Oxygen Systems SaS (Part of Safran Aerosystems) (Formerly Known as Air Liquide)

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 234 (Tuesday, December 9, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56990-56993]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-22338]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-5041; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01620-Q; 
Amendment 39-23210; AD 2025-25-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Aerospace & Defense Oxygen Systems SaS 
(Part of Safran Aerosystems) (Formerly Known as Air Liquide)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
aircraft equipped with certain Aerospace & Defense Oxygen Systems SaS 
portable breathing equipment (PBE). This AD was prompted by reports of 
occurrences of incorrect usage of certain PBEs. This AD requires 
incorporating revised procedures for donning the PBE. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[[Page 56991]]


DATES: This AD is effective December 24, 2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 24, 
2025.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by January 23, 2026.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-5041; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For Safran Aerosystems material identified in this AD, 
contact Safran Aerosystems, Customer Support & Services, Technical 
Publication Department, 61 Rue Pierre Curie, CS20001, 78373 Plaisir 
Cedex, France; phone + 33 (0)1 61 34 23 23; email [email protected]; website www.safran-aerosystems.com.
    <bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-5041.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Harjot Rana, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516-
228-7344; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this final rule. Send your comments using a method 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-5041; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01620-Q'' at the beginning of your 
comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the 
final rule, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include 
supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the 
closing date and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this final rule.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Harjot 
Rana, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516-228-7344; email: [email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not 
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for 
this rulemaking.

Background

    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued 
EASA AD 2025-0222, dated October 13, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0222) (also 
referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition on Aerospace & 
Defense Oxygen Systems SaS (part of Safran Aerosystems) (formerly Air 
Liquide) PBE, part number (P/N) 15-40F-11 and P/N 15-40F-80, all serial 
numbers. The MCAI states that occurrences of incorrect usage of PBE 
have been reported. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to 
flight or cabin crewmember incapacitation, possibly affecting 
crewmember capability to accomplish tasks during an emergency, or 
resulting in fatal injury to that crewmember. Relevant investigations 
identified that the PBE operational manual provides instructions that 
can be misunderstood by a flight or cabin crewmember, possibly leading 
to errors while donning the PBE.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov 
under Docket No. FAA-2025-5041.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Safran Aerosystems Service Bulletin 1540F-35-001, 
dated October 10, 2025. This material clarifies procedures for the 
proper donning of PBE P/N 15-40F-11 and P/N 15-40F-80 to prevent 
adverse effects from non-activation of the oxygen system, with 
additional warnings against inserting hands into the packaging and 
ensuring only the black neck seal is grabbed to avoid damage. The 
donning process includes detailed steps on deploying the hood and 
emphasizes the importance of hearing the oxygen flow noise immediately 
after donning.
    This material is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority 
of another country and are approved for operation in the United States. 
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design 
Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition 
described in the MCAI and material referenced above. The FAA is issuing 
this AD after determining that the unsafe condition described 
previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires incorporating revised procedures for donning 
certain PBE into the existing maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable (for transport category airplanes); into maintenance records 
(for non-transport category aircraft that must comply with 14 CFR 
91.417(a)(2) or 135.439(a)(2)); or into the existing approved 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable (for other non-
transport category aircraft).

[[Page 56992]]

    For non-transport category aircraft: The owner/operator (pilot) 
holding at least a private pilot certificate may perform the required 
action for that aircraft provided compliance with the applicable 
paragraph of this AD is entered into the aircraft maintenance records 
in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The pilot may 
perform this action because it only involves incorporating revised 
procedures for donning the PBE. This action could be performed equally 
well by a pilot or a mechanic. This is an exception to the FAA's 
standard maintenance regulations.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 
551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment 
procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds that 
those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the 
public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good 
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking 
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA 
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, 
upon a finding of good cause.
    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because incorrect usage of PBEs could lead to flight or cabin 
crewmember incapacitation, possibly affecting crewmember capability to 
accomplish tasks during an emergency, or resulting in fatal injury to 
that crewmember. The PBEs are designed to protect the user's eyes and 
respiratory tract in a contaminated atmosphere, which provides the 
ability to locate and combat a fire. Additionally, the compliance time 
in this AD is shorter than the time necessary for the public to comment 
and for publication of the final rule. Accordingly, notice and 
opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to 
the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b).
    In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, 
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and 
comment.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and 
comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects approximately 80,000 
appliances installed on but not limited to transport category 
airplanes. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this 
AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Labor cost                 Parts cost   Cost per product            Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85......           $0                 $85  Up to $6,800,000.*
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* It is unknown how many of the 80,000 appliances are installed on U.S. registered aircraft.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. 
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight 
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for 
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary 
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to 
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2025-25-02 Aerospace & Defense Oxygen Systems SaS (Part of Safran 
Aerosystems) (Formerly Known as Air Liquide): Amendment 39-23210; 
Docket No. FAA-2025-5041; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01620-Q.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 24, 
2025.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Aerospace & Defense Oxygen Systems SaS (part 
of Safran Aerosystems) (formerly known as Air Liquide) portable 
breathing equipment (PBE), part number (P/N) 15-40F-11 and P/N 15-
40F-80, all serial numbers. These PBEs are eligible for installation 
on any aircraft and may have been installed during the aircraft 
manufacturing process (production line), or in-service modification, 
either through a supplemental type certificate, or using type 
certificate holder (TCH) approved modification instructions, or 
through a non-TCH modification approval.

[[Page 56993]]

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of occurrences of incorrect 
usage of certain PBEs. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
incorrect usage of PBEs. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could lead to flight or cabin crewmember incapacitation, possibly 
affecting crewmember capability to accomplish tasks during an 
emergency, or resulting in fatal injury to that crewmember.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Incorporation of Revised Procedures

    (1) For transport category airplanes: Within 30 days after the 
effective date of this AD, revise the existing maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate revised procedures 
for donning PBE P/N 15-40F-11 and P/N 15-40F-80 as specified in 
paragraph 3.C., ``Procedure,'' of Safran Aerosystems Service 
Bulletin 1540F-35-001, dated October 10, 2025. The incorporation of 
revised procedures includes replacing the pictograms identified in 
3.A., ``General,'' of Safran Aerosystems Service Bulletin 1540F-35-
001, dated October 10, 2025, with the applicable procedure specified 
in paragraph 3.C., ``Procedure,'' of Safran Aerosystems Service 
Bulletin 1540F-35-001, dated October 10, 2025.
    (2) For aircraft certificated in any category except for 
transport category airplanes: Accomplish the applicable action 
specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) or (ii) of this AD. The owner/
operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate may 
perform this action for your aircraft and must enter compliance with 
the applicable paragraphs of this AD into the aircraft maintenance 
records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The 
record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 
135.439.
    (i) For aircraft that must comply with 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) or 
135.439(a)(2): Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, 
incorporate into maintenance records required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) 
or 135.439(a)(2), as applicable for your aircraft, revised 
procedures for donning PBE P/N 15-40F-11 and P/N 15-40F-80 as 
specified in paragraph 3.C., ``Procedure,'' of Safran Aerosystems 
Service Bulletin 1540F-35-001, dated October 10, 2025. The 
incorporation of revised procedures includes replacing the 
pictograms identified in 3.A., ``General,'' of Safran Aerosystems 
Service Bulletin 1540F-35-001, dated October 10, 2025, with the 
applicable procedure specified in paragraph 3.C., ``Procedure,'' of 
Safran Aerosystems Service Bulletin 1540F-35-001, dated October 10, 
2025.
    (ii) For non-transport category aircraft other than those 
identified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD: Within 30 days after 
the effective date of this AD, revise your existing approved 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating 
revised procedures for donning PBE P/N 15-40F-11 and P/N 15-40F-80 
as specified in paragraph 3.C., ``Procedure,'' of Safran Aerosystems 
Service Bulletin 1540F-35-001, dated October 10, 2025. The 
incorporation of revised procedures includes replacing the 
pictograms identified in 3.A., ``General,'' of Safran Aerosystems 
Service Bulletin 1540F-35-001, dated October 10, 2025, with the 
applicable procedure specified in paragraph 3.C., ``Procedure,'' of 
Safran Aerosystems Service Bulletin 1540F-35-001, dated October 10, 
2025.

(h) No Alternative Procedures

    After incorporating revised procedures as required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, no alternative procedures may be used unless the 
procedures are approved as an alternative method of compliance 
(AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph 
(i)(1) of this AD.

(i) Additional AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your 
principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, as 
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the 
International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and email to: 
[email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your 
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.

(j) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Harjot Rana, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516-228-7344; email: [email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Safran Aerosystems Service Bulletin 1540F-35-001, dated 
October 10, 2025.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Safran Aerosystems material, contact Safran Aerosystems, 
Customer Support & Services, Technical Publication Department, 61 
Rue Pierre Curie, CS20001, 78373 Plaisir Cedex, France; phone: + 33 
(0)1 61 34 23 23; email: [email protected]; website: 
https://www.safran-aerosystems.com.
    (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., 
Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
    (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on December 3, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-22338 Filed 12-5-25; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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