Federal Register #2026-20120

FAA directive requires repetitive fuselage-frame inspections on Boeing 757-300 aircraft

The FAA issued a safety directive requiring inspections and corrective actions for affected Boeing 757-300 aircraft. - Government buyer and issuing office - U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Continued Operational Safety Branch (AIR-520). - OEM - The Boeing Company is the affected aircraft manufacturer and source of the referenced inspection procedures, Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0122 RB. - Affected aircraft and scope - The directive applies to Boeing Model 757-300 series airplanes; the estimated U.S.-registered fleet affected is 37 aircraft. - Required work includes checking for existing repairs, repetitive detailed inspections of specified upper fuselage-frame areas near frame splices, and applicable follow-up inspections or repairs if conditions are found. - The inspection areas are on both sides of the aircraft between stringers S-13 and S-14, from STA 1380 to STA 1620. - The directive corrects certain right-side stringer references and states that STC ST01518SE does not prevent compliance. - Other named organizations - Aviation Partners Boeing and United Airlines were mentioned as commenters, not as vendors solicited for work. - Opportunity status - This is a regulatory airworthiness action, not a procurement request; no products or services are being solicited.

Description

The FAA is adopting a final airworthiness directive for all The Boeing Company Model 757-300 series airplanes. The directive requires an inspection or maintenance-record check for existing repairs, repetitive inspections of specified upper-frame areas for cracks, and applicable on-condition actions. It addresses inadequate inspection opportunities identified by crack-growth analysis and the risk of multiple upper-frame failures. The directive is effective November 5, 2026.

View original listing