Rule2025-22338
Airworthiness Directives; Aerospace & Defense Oxygen Systems SaS (Part of Safran Aerosystems) (Formerly Known as Air Liquide)
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
December 9, 2025
Effective
December 24, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
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.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 234 (Tuesday, December 9, 2025)</title>
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[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 [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[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 <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. 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 <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> 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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#334756505b1e404643435c41471d40525c7340525541525d54415c46431d505c5e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="097d6c6a61247a7c7979667b7d277a6866497a686f7b68676e7b667c79276a6664">[email protected]</span></a>; website <a href="http://www.safran-aerosystems.com">www.safran-aerosystems.com</a>.
<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 <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8bb2a6caddd8a6cac2d9a6c9cac8c4a6c8c4d8cbedeaeaa5ece4fd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c3faee829590ee828a91ee8182808cee808c9083a5a2a2eda4acb5">[email protected]</span></a>.
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
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e1d8cca0b7b2cca0a8b3cca3a0a2aecca2aeb2a1878080cf868e97"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="91a8bcd0c7c2bcd0d8c3bcd3d0d2debcd2dec2d1f7f0f0bff6fee7">[email protected]</span></a>. 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 <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>
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
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d3929e9c9093b5b2b2fdb4bca5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5415191b17143235357a333b22">[email protected]</span></a>. 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#192034584f4a3458504b345b585a56345a564a597f7878377e766f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7e47533f282d533f372c533c3f3d31533d312d3e181f1f50191108">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#750110161d58060005051a07015b06141a3506141307141b12071a00055b161a18"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1e6a7b7d76336d6b6e6e716c6a306d7f715e6d7f786c7f70796c716b6e307d7173">[email protected]</span></a>; website:
<a href="https://www.safran-aerosystems.com">https://www.safran-aerosystems.com</a>.
(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 <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#92f4e0bcfbfce1e2f7f1e6fbfdfcd2fcf3e0f3bcf5fde4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1a7c68347374696a7f796e7375745a747b687b347d756c">[email protected]</span></a>.
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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