AD 2026-03-09 ACTIVE

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Aerospace & Defense Oxygen Systems SaS portable breathing equipment (PBE). This AD was prompted by reports of occurrences of PBE not delivering oxygen once donned. This AD requires replacing affected PBE and prohibits the installation of affected PBE. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Final rule; request for comments.

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026-03-09 Aerospace & Defense Oxygen Systems SaS (Part of Safran Aerosystems) (Formerly Known as Air Liquide): Amendment 39-23258; Docket No. FAA-2026-0744; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00001-Q. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 12, 2026. (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, having a manufacturing date between March 2015 and March 2017 (inclusive), and having a serial number listed in Appendix A (modified January 5, 2026, 8:51 p.m. UTC+01:00) of Safran Aerosystems Service Bulletin 1540F-35-002, Revision 01, dated January 5, 2026. These PBE 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. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of occurrences of PBE not delivering oxygen once donned. Following investigation, a manufacturing issue has been identified, affecting certain PBE. The FAA is issuing this AD to address affected PBE. 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) Requirements Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0297, dated December 23, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0297). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0297 (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0297 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where the definition of affected PBE in EASA AD 2025-0297 specifies "having manufacturing date between November 2015 and March 2017 (inclusive), and a s/n as listed in Appendix A of the SB", this AD requires replacing that text with "having a manufacturing date between March 2015 and March 2017 (inclusive), and a serial number listed in Appendix A (modified January 5, 2026, 8:51 p.m. UTC+01:00) of Safran Aerosystems Service Bulletin 1540F-35-002, Revision 01, dated January 5, 2026". (3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2025-0297 specifies "Replace the affected PBE", this AD requires replacing that text with "Except as required by paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2025-0297, replace the affected PBE". (4) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2025-0297. (i) Additional AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: 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: AMOC@faa.gov . 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: 9-AVS-AIR-BACO-COS@faa.gov. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference 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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0297, dated December 23, 2025. (ii) Safran Aerosystems Service Bulletin 1540F-35-002, Revision 01, dated January 5, 2026, including the Appendix A digital attachment, modified January 5, 2026, 8:51 p.m. UTC+01:00. (3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) 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: tech-support.sao@safrangroup.com; website: www.safran-aerosystems.com. (5) 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. (6) 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 fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on February 23, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-03799 Filed 2-23-26; 4:15 pm]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments using a method listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include "Docket No. FAA-2026-0744; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00001-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: 9-AVS-AIR-BACO-COS@faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Background EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2025-0297, dated December 23, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0297) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Aerospace & Defense Oxygen Systems SaS PBE. The MCAI states there have been occurrences of PBE not delivering oxygen once donned. Following investigation, a manufacturing issue has been identified, affecting certain PBE. 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. 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-2026-0744. Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2025-0297, which specifies procedures for replacing affected PBE and prohibiting the installation of affected PBE. EASA AD 2025-0297 also allows deferring the requirements as specified in the applicable aircraft master minimum equipment list (MMEL) under certain conditions. EASA AD 2025-0297 also mandates a life limit for the affected PBE. The FAA also reviewed Appendix A of Safran Aerosystems Service Bulletin 1540F-35-002, Revision 01, dated January 5, 2026, which identifies the affected PBE. (The affected PBE are listed in an xlsx file, modified January 5, 2026, 8:51 p.m. UTC+01:00, which is digitally attached to the Safran service bulletin as the content of Appendix A.) 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. Requirements of This AD This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 2025-0297 described previously, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. See "Clarification of Required Actions in the MCAI" for a discussion of the general differences included in this AD. Clarification of Required Actions in the MCAI Although paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2025-0297 provides compliance times ( i.e., 14 days or 3 months, as applicable) to replace affected PBE, paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2025-0297 mandates a life limit for the affected PBE. The affected PBE have a life limit of 10 years (120 months). The life limit in paragraph (4) of the EASA AD 2025-0297 takes precedence over the compliance times in paragraph (1) of the EASA AD 2025-0297 ( i.e., you do not get to use the 14 day or 3-month compliance time for replacement if the affected PBE is over the life limit). Therefore, the FAA has added paragraph (h)(3) to this AD to clarify the required actions. Explanation of Required Compliance Information In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, EASA AD 2025-0297 is incorporated by reference in this AD. This AD requires compliance with EASA AD 2025-0297 in its entirety through that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular section in EASA AD 2025-0297 does not mean that operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to "all required actions and compliance times," compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section titled "Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)" in EASA AD 2025-0297. Material required by EASA AD 2025-0297 for compliance will be available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2026-0744 after this AD is published. 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 there are reports of occurrences of PBE not delivering oxygen once donned, which 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 PBE 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, and for the ability for the flightcrew to continue to control the airplane. 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 notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 2,642 appliances installed on various aircraft. 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 × $85 per hour = $85 Up to $2,500 Up to $2,585 Up to $6,829,570*. * It is unknown how many of the 2,642 appliances are still installed on U.S.-registered aircraft as some appliances have exceeded the 10-year maximum life limit. 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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026-03-09 Aerospace & Defense Oxygen Systems SaS (Part of Safran Aerosystems) (Formerly Known as Air Liquide): Amendment 39-23258; Docket No. FAA-2026-0744; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00001-Q. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 12, 2026. (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, having a manufacturing date between March 2015 and March 2017 (inclusive), and having a serial number listed in Appendix A (modified January 5, 2026, 8:51 p.m. UTC+01:00) of Safran Aerosystems Service Bulletin 1540F-35-002, Revision 01, dated January 5, 2026. These PBE 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. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of occurrences of PBE not delivering oxygen once donned. Following investigation, a manufacturing issue has been identified, affecting certain PBE. The FAA is issuing this AD to address affected PBE. 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) Requirements Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0297, dated December 23, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0297). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0297 (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0297 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where the definition of affected PBE in EASA AD 2025-0297 specifies "having manufacturing date between November 2015 and March 2017 (inclusive), and a s/n as listed in Appendix A of the SB", this AD requires replacing that text with "having a manufacturing date between March 2015 and March 2017 (inclusive), and a serial number listed in Appendix A (modified January 5, 2026, 8:51 p.m. UTC+01:00) of Safran Aerosystems Service Bulletin 1540F-35-002, Revision 01, dated January 5, 2026". (3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2025-0297 specifies "Replace the affected PBE", this AD requires replacing that text with "Except as required by paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2025-0297, replace the affected PBE". (4) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2025-0297. (i) Additional AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: 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: AMOC@faa.gov . 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: 9-AVS-AIR-BACO-COS@faa.gov. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference 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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0297, dated December 23, 2025. (ii) Safran Aerosystems Service Bulletin 1540F-35-002, Revision 01, dated January 5, 2026, including the Appendix A digital attachment, modified January 5, 2026, 8:51 p.m. UTC+01:00. (3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) 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: tech-support.sao@safrangroup.com; website: www.safran-aerosystems.com. (5) 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. (6) 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 fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on February 23, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.

You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: - Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov . Follow the instructions for submitting comments. - Fax: 202-493-2251. - 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. - 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-2026-0744; 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: - For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. - 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: tech-support.sao@safrangroup.com; website: www.safran-aerosystems.com. - 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-2026-0744.

Harjot Rana, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516-228-7344; email: 9-AVS-AIR-BACO-COS@faa.gov.