EASA AD US-2018-18-07
Fuselage - Skin Longitudinal Lap Splices - Inspection
Summary
Federal Register Volume 83, Number 172, Final Rule Airworthiness Directive 2018-18-07 addresses certain Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes. This directive mandates repetitive inspections of the fuselage skin's longitudinal lap splices for cracking and protruding fasteners to prevent widespread fatigue damage. The rule aims to maintain structural integrity and ensure continued airworthiness of affected aircraft.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory repetitive inspections of the fuselage skin longitudinal lap splices on Boeing 757 airplanes. It requires corrective actions if cracks or protruding fasteners are found and clarifies that certain supplemental type certificates and FAA-approved repairs do not affect compliance. The directive also provides procedures for requesting alternative methods of compliance.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a known fatigue-related unsafe condition that could compromise the structural integrity of Boeing 757 airplanes. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must monitor and repair fuselage skin lap splices to prevent potential failures. Adhering to this AD ensures continued safe operation and regulatory compliance.
What To Do
Operators of affected Boeing 757 airplanes must perform repetitive visual and eddy current inspections of the fuselage skin longitudinal lap splices for cracking and protruding fasteners. Any findings must be repaired using FAA-approved methods. Compliance with this AD is required by October 10, 2018, and ongoing inspections must follow the intervals specified in the Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-53A0104.
Your fleet's weekly compliance brief
AI-summarized regulatory changes, compliance deadlines, and action items — filtered to your aircraft, every Monday.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.