EASA AD US-2019-08-02
Fuselage - Fuselage Upper Frames, Side Frames, Fail-safe Chords, Inboard Chords, Frame Webs, Stringers - Inspection
Summary
Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directive 2019-08-02 is a final rule addressing certain Boeing 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. It mandates repetitive inspections of fuselage upper frames, side frames, fail-safe chords, inboard chords, frame webs, and stringers due to reported cracking and the risk of widespread fatigue damage. The directive aims to ensure structural integrity and prevent potential uncontrolled decompression.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory repetitive inspections for specific fuselage components between stringers S-10 and S-17 above the passenger floor. It also requires inspections for open tooling holes and repairs in designated zones, along with applicable on-condition corrective actions. The AD clarifies that installation of Supplemental Type Certificate STC ST01219SE does not affect compliance requirements.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a significant safety risk involving potential cracking that could compromise fuselage structural integrity. Operators and maintenance teams must monitor and repair affected components to prevent frame severance and possible decompression events. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and safety of the affected Boeing 737 models.
What To Do
Operators of affected Boeing 737 models must perform repetitive inspections of specified fuselage components as detailed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1360. Inspections must begin by the effective date of June 13, 2019, and continue at intervals specified in the service bulletin. Any cracks or damage found require on-condition corrective actions or contacting Boeing for repair instructions. Alternative methods of compliance may be requested if justified.
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.