Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD US-2021-02-13

Fuselage - Forward Galley Door Fuselage Skin / Bear Strap - Inspection

Published: Feb 24, 2021
Effective: Mar 30, 2021
Deadline: Mar 30, 2021

Boeing 737 600 700 700C 800 900

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

What to do

Operators of affected Boeing 737 models must conduct inspections of the fuselage skin and bear strap at the forward galley door area for cracks by March 30, 2021. If cracks are found, applicable on-condition repairs must be performed before further flight or within specified compliance times. Requests for alternative methods of compliance or repairs must be submitted with supporting technical data for FAA or Boeing ODA approval.

Summary

The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2021-02-13 is a final rule addressing certain Boeing 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. It mandates inspections of the fuselage skin and bear strap at the forward galley door area for cracks, prompted by reports of cracking in the bear strap between station 290 and 296. The directive aims to prevent potential structural integrity loss and uncontrolled decompression.

What changed

This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory inspections for cracks in the bear strap and fuselage skin near the forward galley door on specified Boeing 737 models. It also requires applicable on-condition corrective actions and clarifies compliance times and alternative methods of compliance. The directive includes provisions for approval of alternative repairs and inspection programs through the Boeing Company Organization Designation Authorization or FAA.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a structural safety concern that could lead to severe consequences such as uncontrolled decompression. Operators, maintenance, and compliance teams must ensure timely inspections and repairs to maintain aircraft airworthiness and safety. Understanding the approved repair methods and compliance options helps streamline maintenance and regulatory adherence.

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