EASA AD US-2022-11-05
Wings - Rear Spar Outboard Flap Support Fasteners and Shims - Inspection / Replacement
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2022-11-05 is a final rule addressing certain Boeing Model 777 airplanes. It mandates inspections and replacements related to the rear spar outboard flap support fasteners and shims to prevent loss of fastener retention and potential flap separation. This directive aims to maintain the structural integrity and controllability of affected aircraft.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces repetitive detailed inspections for discrepancies and damage of the fasteners, shims, flap support mechanisms, and wing lower skin at specified outboard flap supports. It requires installation of new fasteners and shims and repair or replacement of any damaged parts. The directive also establishes compliance requirements and procedures to address the unsafe condition identified.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk that could lead to separation of the outboard flap support, reducing aircraft structural integrity and controllability. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure timely inspections and corrective actions to prevent potential in-flight failures. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and safety of Boeing 777 fleets.
What To Do
Operators of affected Boeing 777 airplanes must perform repetitive detailed inspections of the rear spar outboard flap support fasteners and shims as specified. They must install new fasteners and shims and repair or replace any damaged components found during inspections. All actions must be completed by the effective date of July 20, 2022, with ongoing repetitive inspections as required.
Your fleet's weekly compliance brief
AI-summarized regulatory changes, compliance deadlines, and action items — filtered to your aircraft, every Monday.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.