EASA AD US-2018-19-20
Fuselage - Frames and Stub Beams - Inspection / Repair
Summary
Airworthiness Directive 2018-19-20 is a final rule issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) addressing certain Boeing Company Model 737-200, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. The directive mandates inspections and repairs related to cracking in fuselage frames and stub beams to ensure continued airworthiness and structural integrity.
What Changed
This directive supersedes AD 2010-25-06 by retaining its required inspections and corrective actions while expanding the inspection area to cover additional cracking not previously addressed. It clarifies compliance language and confirms that installation of supplemental type certificate STC ST01219SE does not affect compliance with the AD.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses fatigue cracking that could compromise fuselage structural integrity, potentially leading to rapid decompression. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to prevent safety risks and maintain regulatory conformity.
What To Do
Affected operators must perform repetitive detailed and eddy current inspections of specified fuselage frames and stub beams as outlined in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1254 Revision 3. Corrective actions must be taken if cracking is found. Compliance with this AD is mandatory by October 31, 2018.
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