EASA AD US-2018-11-13
Wings - Upper Wing Stringers - Inspection / Maintenance Program Revision
Summary
Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directive 2018-11-13 is a final rule addressing certain Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes. It mandates inspections and maintenance revisions related to the upper wing stringers, specifically targeting possible degraded bond-line performance of co-bonded upper wing stringer-to-skin joints. This directive aims to maintain structural integrity by requiring inspections, corrective actions, and preventive modifications.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces repetitive inspections for disbond conditions in upper wing stringers and requires corrective actions if disbonds are found. It also mandates a terminating preventive modification involving the installation of disbond arrestment fasteners and requires revising the inspection or maintenance program to include an airworthiness limitation.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential structural integrity issue that could reduce the residual strength of the upper wing stringer-to-skin joints under certain damage conditions. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and safety of affected Boeing 787-8 airplanes, helping operators and maintenance teams prevent possible structural failures and meet regulatory requirements.
What To Do
Operators of affected Boeing 787-8 airplanes must perform repetitive inspections for disbond in specified upper wing stringers and carry out any necessary corrective actions. They must also install disbond arrestment fasteners as a terminating action and revise their inspection or maintenance programs to incorporate the new airworthiness limitation. The directive becomes effective on July 10, 2018.
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