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Accessories Maintenance Regulatory

O2 Bottle Refills: Regulations, Logistics

Larry Anglisano
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That's our 47-liter Aithre long-term-test O2 cylinder on the refill bench at a shop we transited. We didn't have the right transfiller hardware, and never could get the cylinder to top off. We solved that wart by buying the $270 Euro Type DIN 477-9 to AN-800 adapter.

As we’ve reported, thanks to space-saving, small-supply oxygen systems from Aerox and Aithre, more pilots and their passengers may be using O2 in the cabin who otherwise wouldn’t. But we’re also hearing about the challenges of getting these little cylinders filled. 

Some FBOs and maintenance shops unfamiliar with these new bottles (some as small as 47 liters)are reluctant to fill them. After being turned away with one of our Aithre demo cylinders, we did some digging and found there’s more to filling and maintaining tanks than we thought. That includes regulations and the accompanying nomenclature that’s stamped on the hardware. There’s also upkeep, including testing. 

Larry Anglisano

Editor in Chief Larry Anglisano has been a staple at Aviation Consumer since 1995. An active land, sea and glider pilot, Larry has over 30 years’ experience as an avionics repairman and flight test pilot. He’s the editorial director overseeing sister publications Aviation Safety magazine, IFR magazine and is a regular contributor to KITPLANES magazine with his Avionics Bootcamp column.