EASA AD US-2018-09-08
Fuselage - Frame Web of Air-Conditioning Support Brackets - Inspection
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2018-09-08 addresses certain Boeing 737-200, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This directive mandates inspections of the fuselage frame web near the air-conditioning support brackets to detect cracks that could compromise structural integrity. It aims to prevent potential rapid decompression and structural failure due to frame web cracking.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory inspections of the frame web common to the stringer ties adjacent to the air-conditioning support brackets on specified Boeing 737 models. It requires initial and repetitive inspections, along with on-condition corrective actions if cracks are found. The directive also clarifies that installation of Supplemental Type Certificate STC ST01219SE does not affect compliance requirements.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because undetected cracks in the fuselage frame web could lead to severed frames and rapid decompression, posing serious safety risks. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft structural integrity and airworthiness. The inspections and potential repairs help prevent costly and dangerous in-service failures.
What To Do
Operators of affected Boeing 737-200, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes must perform the required inspections of the frame web near the air-conditioning support brackets as specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1363. Inspections must be conducted within the compliance times outlined in the directive, effective June 8, 2018, with repetitive inspections and on-condition repairs as necessary. Installation of STC ST01219SE does not require additional approval for compliance.
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