Stabilizers - Main Torque Box Skin Panel and Rear Spar Root Fitting - Inspection
- Published
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- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Boeing 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes must perform the required inspections of the MTB skin panel and rear spar root fitting as specified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550011-00 RB, Issue 001, dated May 18, 2021. Any detected cracking or delamination must be addressed with the prescribed on-condition actions. All actions must be completed by July 7, 2022, the effective date of the directive.
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airworthiness Directive 2022-09-08 is a final rule addressing certain Boeing 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. This directive mandates inspections of the main torque box (MTB) skin panel and rear spar root fitting for cracking and delamination due to reports of a missing shim at a critical joint. The directive aims to ensure the structural integrity of these aircraft by requiring specific inspection and corrective actions.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory ultrasonic and eddy current inspections of the MTB skin panel and rear spar root fitting on affected Boeing 787 models. It requires operators to perform on-condition actions such as gap measurements, shim installations, and replacement of fasteners if defects are found. The directive also clarifies compliance procedures and rejects requests to allow alternative compliance forms or future revisions of the service bulletin without FAA approval.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential structural fatigue issue that could compromise airplane safety. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure timely inspections and repairs to prevent structural failures. Compliance with this AD helps maintain airworthiness and avoids costly unplanned repairs or grounding of aircraft.
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