Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD US-2022-06-07

Fuselage - Forward Outer Chords of the Pivot Bulkhead - Inspection

Published: Apr 29, 2022
Effective: May 31, 2022
Deadline: May 31, 2022
Replaces: 2016-09-01

Boeing 777 200 300

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What to do

Operators of affected Boeing 777-200 and 777-300 series airplanes must perform the required detailed and HFEC inspections within the specified compliance times, including a grace period of 500 flight cycles when applicable. Post-repair and post-modification inspections must also be conducted as outlined. All detected cracking must be addressed with the prescribed corrective actions. The directive becomes effective on May 31, 2022.

Summary

Airworthiness Directive 2022-06-07 is a final rule issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) addressing certain Boeing 777-200 and 777-300 series airplanes. It mandates inspections of the forward outer chords of the STA 2370 pivot bulkhead to detect fatigue cracking, including repetitive detailed and high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections of the longeron fitting and bulkhead assembly structure. This directive aims to prevent potential failure of the forward outer chord that could lead to loss of horizontal stabilizer control.

What changed

This directive supersedes AD 2016-09-01 by reducing compliance times, expanding inspection areas, and requiring post-modification inspections that were not previously mandated. It retains some prior requirements but adds repetitive inspections of the longeron fitting and bulkhead assembly structure, along with all necessary on-condition corrective actions. Clarifications and minor editorial changes were also incorporated based on stakeholder feedback.

Why it matters

The directive addresses critical fatigue cracking that could compromise the structural integrity of the pivot bulkhead, a key component affecting horizontal stabilizer control. For operators and maintenance organizations, adhering to these updated inspection intervals and expanded inspection zones is essential to maintain airworthiness and ensure flight safety. Compliance helps prevent unplanned aircraft downtime and costly repairs due to undetected cracking.

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