Stabilizers - Vertical Stabilizer Leading Edge / Spar Cap - Inspectons
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2016-09-05
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Boeing 717-200 airplanes must perform detailed and repetitive inspections of the vertical stabilizer leading edge skin and front spar cap as specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-55A0012, Revision 1. Inspections must be completed by the effective date of May 31, 2018, with adherence to revised compliance times for initial inspections if not previously done. Any detected distress, cracking, or missing fasteners must be addressed with corrective actions promptly.
Summary
Airworthiness Directive 2018-10-08 is a final rule issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) addressing certain Boeing Model 717-200 airplanes. It mandates repetitive inspections of the vertical stabilizer leading edge skin and front spar cap for distress, cracking, and loose or missing fasteners to ensure structural integrity. This directive updates previous requirements to include new compliance times and aims to prevent potential loss of the vertical stabilizer due to structural failure.
What changed
This directive supersedes Airworthiness Directive 2016-09-05 by retaining its inspection requirements but revises compliance times for airplanes that have not yet completed the initial inspections. It introduces repetitive inspections for distress, cracking, and fastener condition in the vertical stabilizer leading edge skin and front spar cap, prompted by additional reports of damage and cracking since the previous AD.
Why it matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk that could lead to structural failure of the vertical stabilizer, potentially resulting in loss of control of the aircraft. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure timely inspections and corrective actions to maintain airworthiness and comply with FAA regulations. Failure to comply could compromise flight safety and regulatory compliance.
More for Boeing 717
All 15- EASA AD US-2026-13-15Navigation - 5G C-Band wireless Broadband Interference with Radio Altimeter System when operating in Canadian airspace - AmendmentJul 1, 2026
- EASA AD US-2025-21-05Landing Gear - Upper Lock Link Assembly - InspectionsDec 1, 2025
- EASA AD US-2025-02-07Navigation - Aeroplane Flight Manual - Revision / Software InstallationMar 12, 2025
- EASA AD US-2024-21-01Wings - Lower Aft Skins, External Doublers and Rear Spar Lower Caps - InspectionsOct 24, 2024
Get the next one by email
New ADs and bulletins for Boeing 717, summarized like this page, every Monday.