EASA AD US-2026-15-11 — Fuselage - Fuselage Skin / Bear Strap - Inspection

Summary

The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2026-15-11 addresses certain Boeing 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 airplanes. This directive requires inspections of the fuselage skin and bear strap near the forward galley door cutout due to reported cracks. The directive aims to maintain structural integrity and ensure safety by detecting and repairing cracks before they become critical.

What Changed

This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory inspections for cracks in the bear strap and fuselage skin at the forward upper corner of the forward galley door cutout on specified Boeing 737 models. It requires general visual inspections, detailed and eddy current inspections, and on-condition repetitive inspections and repairs as necessary. The directive also incorporates Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1408 RB dated December 20, 2024, as the compliance reference.

Why It Matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals because cracks in the bear strap and fuselage skin can compromise the airplane's structural integrity and its ability to sustain limit loads. Operators and maintenance teams must comply to prevent potential safety hazards and avoid structural failures. Timely inspections and repairs ensure continued airworthiness and regulatory compliance.

What To Do

Operators of affected Boeing 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 airplanes must perform the required inspections and any necessary repairs according to Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1408 RB. Compliance must be achieved by the effective date of September 10, 2026, with ongoing repetitive inspections as specified. Stakeholders should obtain the referenced Boeing service information and coordinate with maintenance providers to implement the directive.