EASA AD US-2024-07-05
Fuselage - Station 1640 Frame Web Between S-14 and S-15 - Inspection / Maintenance Records Check
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2024-07-05 is a final rule addressing certain Boeing 757-200, 757-200CB, and 757-300 airplanes. It mandates inspections or maintenance records checks for liner holes in the fuselage at station 1640 frame web between stringers S-14 and S-15 due to detected cracks. The directive aims to ensure structural integrity by requiring corrective actions when necessary.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory inspections or maintenance records reviews for liner holes in the STA 1640 frame web between S-14 and S-15 on specified Boeing 757 models. It clarifies the exact location of cracks, expands on-condition actions based on airplane configuration, and updates grouping for airplanes modified by certain supplemental type certificates. The directive also addresses comments from industry stakeholders and sets compliance requirements without extending initial compliance times.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses potential structural cracks that could compromise the fuselage's ability to sustain limit loads, impacting flight safety. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must be aware of the inspection requirements and configuration-specific actions to prevent structural failures. Timely compliance ensures continued airworthiness and avoids operational disruptions due to unexpected repairs.
What To Do
Operators of affected Boeing 757-200, 757-200CB, and 757-300 airplanes must perform inspections or maintenance records checks for liner holes in the STA 1640 frame web between S-14 and S-15 by June 5, 2024. They must also carry out any required on-condition corrective actions based on inspection findings and airplane configuration. Airplanes modified by STC ST03562AT must follow Group 3 inspection requirements, and requests for alternative compliance times can be submitted with sufficient safety data.