Wings - Centre Wing Lower Stringers - Replacement
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2020-10-10
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of the affected Boeing MD-80 series airplanes must replace the specified center wing lower stringers by the effective date of March 13, 2023. The replacement must be performed by FAA-approved licensed mechanics and will terminate the repetitive inspections mandated by the previous AD 2020-10-10. Stakeholders should obtain and follow Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin MD80-57A246 RB dated December 17, 2021, for detailed replacement procedures.
Summary
Airworthiness Directive 2023-01-13 issued by the Federal Aviation Administration addresses certain Boeing Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 airplanes. The directive mandates replacement of specific left and right side center wing lower stringers due to the risk of widespread fatigue damage. This action aims to maintain the structural integrity of the affected aircraft by preventing potential fatigue cracking.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a mandatory replacement of center wing lower stringers S-11 through S-22 on both sides of the wing between wing stations Xcw=13 and Xcw=15. It terminates the repetitive inspections previously required by AD 2020-10-10 by addressing the root cause through proactive replacement. The directive clarifies that the replacement is to address potential fatigue cracking before it reaches a critical length.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it prevents the development of fatigue cracks that could compromise principal structural elements and the overall airworthiness of the aircraft. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to avoid structural failures that could lead to unsafe flight conditions. The replacement also reduces the need for ongoing repetitive inspections, potentially lowering long-term maintenance costs and operational disruptions.
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