EASA AD US-2025-11-01
Fuselage - Web at K-hole between Stringers, Outer Chord above the Lower Hinge Intercostal, Inner Chord - Inspection / Records Check
Summary
The Federal Register document titled 'Fuselage - Web at K-hole between Stringers, Outer Chord above the Lower Hinge Intercostal, Inner Chord - Inspection / Records Check' is a final rule airworthiness directive (AD 2025-11-01) issued by the FAA. It applies to certain Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes and addresses newly discovered cracking in fuselage frame locations at body station 1640. The directive mandates inspections and records checks to detect cracks and requires corrective actions to maintain structural integrity.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory inspections and records checks for approved or local repairs at specific fuselage frame locations, including the web at the K-hole between stringers, the outer chord above the lower hinge intercostal, and the inner chord and web between stringers. It requires repetitive eddy current inspections and on-condition repair actions as necessary. The AD also updates contact information for Aviation Partners Boeing and clarifies the scope of applicability to affected Boeing 757 models.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses an unsafe condition that could compromise the structural integrity of Boeing 757 aircraft fuselage frames. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure timely inspections and repairs to prevent potential structural failures. Compliance with this directive helps maintain airworthiness and safety standards, reducing the risk of in-service incidents related to undetected cracks.
What To Do
Affected operators must perform an inspection or records check for the presence of approved or local repairs at specified fuselage frame locations by July 8, 2025. They must conduct repetitive eddy current inspections for cracking and carry out any required on-condition repairs, including contacting Boeing for repair instructions if cracks are found. Operators should also update their maintenance procedures to incorporate these requirements and ensure compliance with the AD.