EASA AD US-2026-04-06 — Wings - Scimitar Blended Winglets - Inspection
Summary
EASA AD US-2026-04-06 is a final airworthiness directive issued by the FAA addressing certain Boeing 757-200 and 757-300 series airplanes equipped with scimitar blended winglets. The directive mandates inspections for cracks in the inspar outer lower wing skin area near access panel 543BB and requires repairs if cracks are found. This AD aims to prevent potential structural integrity issues that could lead to partial wing loss and loss of airplane control.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory detailed visual and high frequency eddy current inspections of the wing lower skin panel between wing stations 711.5 and 743.5 on both wings of affected Boeing 757-200 and 757-300 airplanes. It shortens the compliance time for inspections from 30 days, as recommended in the service letter, to 5 days due to recent crack findings and the absence of prior mandatory inspections. The AD also incorporates Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Letter APBSL757-0039 Rev IR as the inspection procedure reference.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a newly identified unsafe condition that could compromise wing structural integrity, posing a serious safety risk. Operators and maintenance organizations must implement these inspections promptly to detect and repair cracks before they lead to catastrophic failure. Compliance teams need to update their maintenance programs to include these inspections within the shortened 5-day compliance window to ensure regulatory adherence and continued airworthiness.
What To Do
Operators of Boeing 757-200 and 757-300 airplanes with scimitar blended winglets must perform detailed visual and high frequency eddy current inspections of the specified wing skin area within 5 days of the AD's effective date, February 26, 2026. Any cracks found must be repaired according to the procedures in Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Letter APBSL757-0039 Rev IR. Stakeholders should submit any comments on the AD by April 13, 2026, following the FAA's specified methods.