EASA AD US-2018-01-08
Fuselage - Frame Outboard Chord / Auxiliary Chord - Inspection
Summary
Federal Register Volume 83, Number 9 (2018-01-12) Final Rule Airworthiness Directive 2018-01-08 addresses all Boeing 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. It mandates inspections for fatigue cracking in the frame outboard chord and the radius of the auxiliary chord, with required corrective actions if cracks are found. This directive aims to maintain structural integrity and prevent rapid decompression.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory inspections to detect fatigue cracking in specific fuselage frame components of affected Boeing 737 models. It clarifies that installation of Supplemental Type Certificate ST01219SE does not affect compliance and removes ambiguous language regarding repair requirements. The directive also references related previous ADs without superseding them.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals to ensure the structural safety of older Boeing 737 aircraft by identifying and addressing fatigue cracks that could compromise fuselage integrity. Operators and maintenance teams must comply to prevent potential rapid decompression events, thereby safeguarding passengers and crew. Compliance also ensures adherence to FAA safety regulations and avoids operational disruptions.
What To Do
Operators of affected Boeing 737 models must perform detailed and high-frequency eddy current inspections of the frame outboard chord and auxiliary chord radius as specified. Any detected cracks require prompt repair or replacement. The AD became effective on February 16, 2018, and compliance should follow the inspection intervals and procedures outlined in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1166, Revision 2.
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