EASA AD US-2025-02-13
Fuselage - Forward and Aft Hinge Areas of the Main Deck Cargo Door Cutout - Maintenance Record Check / Inspections
Summary
The Federal Register document titled "Fuselage - Forward and Aft Hinge Areas of the Main Deck Cargo Door Cutout - Maintenance Record Check / Inspections" is a final rule airworthiness directive (AD 2025-02-13) issued by the FAA. It applies to certain Boeing 757-200, -200CB, and -200PF series airplanes, including those modified by VT Mobile Aerospace Engineering Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs). The AD addresses cracks found at the main deck cargo door cutout forward and aft hinge attachment holes and mandates inspections and corrective actions to ensure structural integrity.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces requirements for maintenance record checks for repairs at the forward and aft hinge areas of the main deck cargo door cutout, repetitive open-hole high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracks, and applicable corrective actions. It expands applicability to include Boeing 757-200 airplanes modified by VT MAE STCs that were previously omitted. The AD also revises compliance requirements based on stakeholder feedback, particularly regarding inspection instructions and compliance timelines.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a structural safety concern that could compromise the integrity of the main deck cargo door hinge area on affected Boeing 757 airplanes. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to detect and repair cracks early, preventing potential structural failures. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and operational safety of the fleet, especially for freighter-configured aircraft.
What To Do
Operators of affected Boeing 757-200, -200CB, and -200PF airplanes must perform maintenance record checks and conduct repetitive HFEC inspections of the main deck cargo door hinge areas as specified. They must also obtain FAA-approved inspection and repair instructions for airplanes modified by VT MAE STCs. The AD becomes effective on March 17, 2025, and compliance timelines vary, with some inspections required within 30 days or specified flight cycles depending on configuration.