EASA AD US-2019-23-16: Wings - Left and Right Upper Wing Skin - Inspection | RegNotify

Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD US-2019-23-16

Wings - Left and Right Upper Wing Skin - Inspection

Published: Jan 29, 2020
Effective: Feb 3, 2020
Deadline: Feb 3, 2020

Boeing 737 100 200 200C 300 400

AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.

What to do

Operators of affected Boeing 737 models must perform repetitive HFEC inspections and general visual inspections of the upper wing skin and adjacent rib bays as specified. Any detected cracks require prompt repair following the directive's on-condition actions. Compliance with this Airworthiness Directive is mandatory starting February 3, 2020.

Summary

The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2019-23-16 addresses all Boeing 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This directive mandates inspections of the left and right upper wing skin to detect cracks that could lead to fuel leaks and compromise structural integrity. It requires repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) and general visual inspections along with necessary repairs.

What changed

This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory repetitive HFEC inspections of the upper wing skin at specific locations, along with general visual inspections of adjacent rib bay areas. It also establishes on-condition repair actions if cracks are found. The directive clarifies that installation of Supplemental Type Certificate STC ST01219SE does not affect compliance requirements.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent undetected cracks that could cause fuel leaks and structural failure in affected Boeing 737 models. Operators and maintenance organizations must implement these inspections to maintain airworthiness and ensure flight safety. Compliance reduces the risk of structural damage and potential accidents related to wing skin cracks.

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