Federal Register #FAA-2026-1324

FAA Airworthiness Directives for Boeing 737 Aircraft and Leonardo Helicopter Life Raft Systems

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the Department of Transportation, has issued airworthiness directives (ADs) affecting both Boeing and Leonardo S.p.A. aircraft: - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - OEMs and Vendors: - The Boeing Company (primary OEM for 737 series airplanes) - Leonardo S.p.A. (primary OEM for AB139 and AW139 helicopters) - Products/Services Requested: - For Boeing 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes: - Repetitive inspections of the fuselage skin and structure near the aft drain mast for cracks or corrosion - On-condition repairs as required, following Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1409, Revision 1 - Applies to 123 U.S. airplanes; estimated inspection cost is $595 per cycle - For Leonardo S.p.A. AB139 and AW139 helicopters: - Replacement of damaged life raft inflation systems (part numbers: 3G9560F00111, 3G9560F00112, 4G2560F00811) - Prohibition on installation of affected inflation systems - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Compliance with specific OEM service bulletins and FAA-approved repair methods - No procurement of new aircraft or major systems; focus is on mandated inspections, repairs, and component replacements to address safety issues - For Leonardo helicopters, only damaged inflation systems are to be replaced, and installation of affected systems is prohibited - Locations: - FAA Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, Des Moines, WA and Fort Worth, TX - U.S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations, Washington, DC

Description

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of cracks found in the fuselage skin underneath the aft drain mast. It requires repetitive inspections of the fuselage skin and structure common to the aft drain mast for any crack or corrosion and applicable on-condition actions. The AD aims to address the unsafe condition that could result in rapid decompression and loss of structural integrity of the airplane.

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