Aircraft Oxygen Bottles

[STAL6]

Gulfstream G-550
Maintenance Manual
Rev 10
Oct 15, 2007
Chapter/Section 12-19-00
Replenishing: Oxygen System
Servicing Page 301
1. A. (2) Aircraft Preparation
Note: Replace Oxygen Cylinder if Oxygen Pressure becomes less than 50 PSI.

Operating under FAR 91.409(f)(3)

That is all the AIRCRAFT maintenance manual says about it. The AIRCRAFT maintenance manual does not give any relief. So if the cylinder goes below 50 psi the cylinder MUST be replaced, no ifs ands or buts about it. It is that simple.

 

[cl_robster2481]

Gatorman, I would have to replace the bottle, no doubt, but I would call the manufacture to see what can be done with the bottle after I've changed it out.

Stal6

Sounds like you are on the right track to me.

 

[STAL6]

That is not correct as a general rule. Certain systems may have this as a requirement, but this is not a standard practice with all oxygen systems.

AC 43.13-1B Acceptable Methods Techniques, and practice - Aircraft Inspection and Repair

CH 9
Section 3. Emergency Equipment
9-51. Service Oxygen Cylinders Requirements
a.(1)(c) If the cylinder is completely empty DO NOT CHARGE. A EMPTY CYLINDER MUST BE REMOVED, INSPECTED,AND CLEANED BEFORE CHARGING.

With no other data available I would use this reference as standard practice.

STAL6

 

[Gatorman]

Oh NO!!!
You did not just quote out of the AC43.13!!!

 

[Gatorman]

Wait for it....
....listen....
....here it comes...

 

[avbug]

So long as you're quoting AC43.131B, regarding an earlier discussion about the use of soap solutions for leak detection:

(d) When oxygen is being lost from a
system through leakage, a sequence of steps
may be necessary to locate the opening. Leakage
may often be detected by listening for the
distinct hissing sound of escaping gas. If this
check proves negative, it will be necessary to
soap-test all lines and connections with a castile
soap and water solution or specially compounded
leak-test material. Make the solution
thick enough to adhere to the contours of the
fittings. At the completion of the leakage test,
remove all traces of the soap and water.

Again, 43.131B-2B is a standard practice fallback in lieu of specific direction from the manufacturer in approved documentation.

Whereas an airframe manufacturer may provide general guidance, often several bottles may be offered as choices, or a variety of bottles may have been installed at the factory, or in the field by means of STC or direct replacement. In such cases, the bottle manufacturers approved data is also relevant, as well as STC data, or any effective AD's.

43.13 does not preclude any of the above, and serves as a standard practice guide in lieu of other information.

With no other data available I would use this reference as standard practice.

As would be SOP. You have stipulated, however, that the only data available for your aircraft is the airframe manufacturers maintenance manual. You have not indicated if you have looked for maintenance publications for the bottle manufacturer. However, whereas the airframe manufacturer has required in approved documentation the removal and replacement of the bottle, other in-situ attention isn't relevant.

The assertion made throughout much of this thread that a bottle must automatically be removed or sent away for inspection when pressure drops below 50 PSI, or to zero, is incorrect.

 

[Gatorman]

The assertion made throughout much of this thread that a bottle must automatically be removed or sent away for inspection when pressure drops below 50 PSI, or to zero, is incorrect.

Since we have not heard from STAL6 in regards to his aircraft's maintenance manual and the disposition of the empty oxygen bottle....

AC 43.13-1B Acceptable Methods Techniques, and practice - Aircraft Inspection and Repair

CH 9
Section 3. Emergency Equipment
9-51. Service Oxygen Cylinders Requirements
a.(1)(c) If the cylinder is completely empty DO NOT CHARGE. A EMPTY CYLINDER MUST BE REMOVED, INSPECTED,AND CLEANED BEFORE CHARGING.

...applies.

Oh, and don't forget...

Again, 43.131B-2B is a standard practice fallback in lieu of specific direction from the manufacturer in approved documentation.

 

[STAL6]

Semper Fi Gatorman

STAL6