EASA AD US-2019-11-02
Wings - Underwing Longerons - Inspection
Summary
Airworthiness Directive 2019-11-02 is a final rule issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) addressing The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. It mandates inspections of the left and right side underwing longerons to detect cracks and requires related investigative and corrective actions to ensure structural integrity and prevent fuel leakage. This directive updates previous requirements to enhance safety for affected aircraft.
What Changed
This directive supersedes AD 2017-16-10 by retaining its inspection requirements while reducing certain compliance times for specific airplanes and removing some airplanes from applicability due to production changes. It also incorporates Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0081, Revision 2, which details inspection procedures and on-condition actions.
Why It Matters
The directive addresses cracks in underwing longerons that could lead to fuel leakage and increased fire risk or compromise structural integrity. Compliance is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to maintain airworthiness and safety of Boeing 777 fleets. The updated compliance times require timely inspections to mitigate potential hazards effectively.
What To Do
Operators of affected Boeing 777 airplanes must perform repetitive detailed, ultrasonic, and high frequency eddy current inspections of underwing longerons as specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0081, Revision 2. Any detected cracks require prompt corrective actions, including possible longeron replacement. The directive is effective July 5, 2019, and comments must be submitted by August 5, 2019.
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