EASA AD US-2020-02-16
Fuselage - Lower Skin of the Fuselage Skin Lap Splices - Inspection
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2020-02-16 is a final rule addressing certain Boeing 737-200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. It mandates inspections of the lower skin of the fuselage skin lap splices along the lower fastener row of a specific stringer lap splice on certain body station skin panels due to potential widespread fatigue damage. The directive aims to detect and mitigate scratch cracks and fatigue cracking that could compromise structural integrity.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory detailed and repetitive inspections using dual frequency eddy current methods for the lower skin lap splices at specified locations on affected Boeing 737 models. It also requires applicable on-condition actions such as open hole high frequency eddy current inspections and repairs if cracks are found. The AD clarifies that installation of Supplemental Type Certificate ST01219SE does not affect compliance requirements.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk involving potential rapid decompression and structural failure due to fatigue and scratch cracks in the fuselage skin. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure timely inspections and repairs to maintain airworthiness and comply with FAA regulations. Failure to comply could result in unsafe flight conditions and regulatory penalties.
What To Do
Operators of affected Boeing 737-200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes must perform the required inspections of the lower skin lap splices as specified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1382 RB, starting no later than March 18, 2020. Any detected cracks must be addressed with the prescribed on-condition inspections and repairs. Compliance with this AD is mandatory from the effective date.
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