Federal Register #FAA-2026-13802

Proposed FAA safety directive for Boeing 787-8 wing fasteners

The FAA is proposing a safety directive for certain Boeing 787-8 airplanes to reduce potential fire or explosion risk from wing fasteners during a lightning strike. - Government buyer: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service. - OEM: The Boeing Company, manufacturer of the affected aircraft and publisher of the referenced requirements bulletin. - Affected aircraft: Up to 14 U.S.-registered Boeing Model 787-8 airplanes. - Required work: Inspect wing fasteners between ribs 25 and 31 on both wings and inspect wing fuel tanks, surge tanks, and dry bays for specified fasteners with threaded nuts and no cap seals. Perform the applicable AWL No. 57-AWL-18 inspections and concurrent actions, and update the maintenance program to include applicable airworthiness limitations. - On-condition work may include replacing affected electromagnetic-effects (EME) sleeves, installing cap seals, and completing approved repairs. - Referenced Boeing bulletin: B787-81205-SB570039-00 RB, Issue 001. This is a proposed safety rule, not a purchase solicitation.

Description

The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive for certain Boeing Model 787-8 airplanes. It addresses concerns that wing skin penetrating fasteners with threaded nuts and no cap seals may not reliably protect against ignition sources from direct attachment lightning currents, potentially causing fire or explosion. The proposed requirements include inspections of wing fasteners, fuel tanks, surge tanks, and dry bays; completion of an airworthiness limitation inspection; applicable corrective actions and concurrent requirements; and maintenance-program revisions. Comments are due December 28, 2026.

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