EASA AD US-2018-06-08
Fuselage - Side Panel-to-Frame Attachments and Frames - Inspection
Summary
Federal Register Volume 83, Number 51 (March 15, 2018) Airworthiness Directive 2018-06-08 is a final rule issued by the FAA addressing certain Boeing 757-200 series airplanes. This directive requires inspections of the side panel-to-frame attachments and frames in the aft cargo compartment due to widespread fatigue damage concerns. It mandates verification of specific modifications and applicable on-condition actions to maintain structural integrity.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory inspections of the aft cargo compartment's side panel-to-frame attachments and frames on Boeing 757-200 series airplanes. It requires operators to verify that certain modifications have been completed and to perform repetitive inspections, repairs, or further modifications if necessary. The directive also clarifies that installation of Supplemental Type Certificate STC ST01518SE does not affect compliance requirements.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential unsafe condition that could lead to fatigue cracking and reduced structural integrity of the airplane's body frames. Failure to comply could result in rapid decompression, posing serious safety risks. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure timely inspections and corrective actions to maintain airworthiness and regulatory compliance.
What To Do
Affected operators must perform a general visual inspection of the side panel-to-frame attachments and frames as specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-53A0012, Revision 1, dated January 25, 2017. Any necessary on-condition actions, including repairs and modifications, must be completed. Compliance with this directive is required by April 19, 2018, the effective date of the AD.
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