Fuselage - Skin Lap Splices - Inspection / Repair
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Boeing 737 models must perform the required inspections and repairs as specified in the AD and Boeing's service bulletin starting from the effective date. Repetitive inspections must be conducted depending on aircraft configuration, with repairs made as necessary to address any findings. The AD becomes effective on October 27, 2023, and compliance must be ensured by that date.
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2023-13-05 addresses fuselage skin lap splice cracking on all Boeing 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. This directive requires inspections and repairs of specific skin lap splice areas at stations S-4, S-14, and S-24 to detect and mitigate cracking, buckling, wrinkling, or bulging. The AD aims to maintain the structural integrity of these aircraft by preventing fatigue-related damage in critical fuselage areas.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory inspections for repairs and repetitive checks for skin buckling, wrinkling, bulging, and cracking at designated fuselage lap splice locations. It incorporates Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-53-1399 RB, Revision 1, dated March 14, 2023, which corrects previous errors and clarifies inspection procedures. The AD also clarifies that installation of Supplemental Type Certificate ST00830SE does not affect compliance requirements.
Why it matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses potential structural integrity issues that could compromise the safety of Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft. Operators and maintenance teams must identify and repair fuselage skin defects to prevent fatigue cracks that could lead to failure of principal structural elements. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and reduces the risk of in-service structural damage.
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