Federal Register #2026-17553

FAA Airworthiness Directives for Boeing 787 and Airbus A320/A321: Mandatory Inspections and Repairs

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, has issued airworthiness directives (ADs) for Boeing and Airbus aircraft to address safety concerns: - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service, Airworthiness Products Section - OEMs Involved: - The Boeing Company - Airbus SAS - Products/Services Requested: - For Boeing 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes: - Repetitive ultrasonic (UT) and detailed (DET) inspections of lower side of body splice plates, rear spar terminal fittings, lower chords, front spar terminal fittings, and jack pads for cracks - On-condition repairs if cracks are found - Reference: Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B78781205SB57004800 RB, Issue 001 - Quantity: 17 aircraft affected - For Airbus A320 and A321 series airplanes: - Rototest inspections for cracks in the bulk cargo door area (sections 16 and 17, left and right sides) - On-condition repairs as required - Reference: EASA AD 20250193 - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Compliance with specific Boeing and Airbus/EASA technical bulletins - Inspections are repetitive and ongoing as part of maintenance cycles - No procurement of new products; focus is on inspection and repair actions for existing aircraft - Ensures continued safe flight and landing by addressing fatigue cracks from manufacturing errors and test findings

Description

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a Boeing investigation for manufacturing errors and excessive preload forces at the lower side of body splice plates common to the lower outboard wing skins. The directive requires repetitive ultrasonic inspections and detailed inspections of certain splice plates and fittings for cracks, along with applicable on-condition actions to address the unsafe condition. The AD aims to prevent fatigue cracks that could weaken primary wing structure and result in loss of safe flight and landing.

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