Rule2026-15936
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
August 6, 2026
Effective
September 10, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the bear strap at the forward upper corner of the forward galley door cutout. This AD requires an inspection of the fuselage skin for existing repairs and applicable on- condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 150 (Thursday, August 6, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 150 (Thursday, August 6, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50698-50701]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-15936]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-3985; Project Identifier AD-2025-00493-T;
Amendment 39-23423; AD 2026-15-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 airplanes.
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the bear strap at the
forward upper
[[Page 50699]]
corner of the forward galley door cutout. This AD requires an
inspection of the fuselage skin for existing repairs and applicable on-
condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 10, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September
10, 2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-3985; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this final rule, any comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For Boeing material identified in this AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS),
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600;
telephone 562-797-1717; website <a href="http://myboeingfleet.com">myboeingfleet.com</a>.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-3985.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Luis Cortez-Muniz, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-
231-3958; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#117d6478623f703f727e6365746b3c7c647f786b517770703f767e67"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9ef2ebf7edb0ffb0fdf1eceafbe4b3f3ebf0f7e4def8ffffb0f9f1e8">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing
Company Model 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 airplanes. The NPRM was
published in the Federal Register on November 25, 2025 (90 FR 53245).
The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracks in the bear strap at the
forward upper corner of the forward galley door cutout. In the NPRM,
the FAA proposed to require an inspection of the fuselage skin for
existing repairs and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address cracks in the fuselage skin and bear strap,
which may lead to the inability of the principal structural element to
sustain limit loads and adversely affect the structural integrity of
the airplane.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from The Boeing Company who supported the
NPRM without change.
The FAA received additional comments from two commenters, including
The Foundation for Aviation Safety and United Airlines (United). The
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to each comment.
Request To Explain How the Root Cause Is Addressed
The Foundation for Aviation Safety asked what the FAA and Boeing
are doing to address the root cause of the defect. The commenter also
asked if a structural defect is important enough to immediately ground
an airplane after it is detected, why is the inspection for defects not
accomplished long before the proposed compliance time.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on in-
service airplanes. The required compliance times for the initial
inspection and on-condition repetitive inspections and repair were
established to ensure any crack is detected and repaired before the
crack reaches critical length with multiple opportunities for
detection. The rulemaking timeline was based on Boeing 737 fleet
findings, supporting analysis, and the severity of the effect on the
airplane (i.e., safety consequences) if cracking propagates beyond a
critical length. The FAA determined that the required actions and
compliance times provide an acceptable level of safety. In addition,
Boeing is introducing changes to the manufacturing process that address
the root cause of the unsafe condition on in-production airplanes.
Request To Clarify Whether Certain Repairs Apply to Condition 1
United stated that Table 1, Condition 1 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1408 RB,
dated December 20, 2024, specifies to contact Boeing for alternative
inspection instructions for any repair found during the general visual
inspection of the fuselage skin. The commenter noted that Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-53A1408, dated December 20, 2024, does not provide
guidance for repairs accomplished per the structural repair manual
(SRM) limits in 737-8 and 737-9 SRM 53-00-01, for fuselage skin blend
out and bear strap blend out repair. United requested clarification on
whether repairs performed within allowable damage limits should be
considered ``repairs found'' for the purposes of Table 1, or if such
repairs may be treated as unrepaired areas, ``no repair found.''
The FAA notes that Condition 1 applies to any repair, which
includes blend out repairs accomplished per the SRM within the
allowable damage limits. Such blend out repairs need to be evaluated to
determine whether the repetitive inspection interval specified in the
service information provides an acceptable level of safety for those
repairs. Depending on findings, it may be necessary to reduce the
inspection interval. The FAA has not changed this AD in response to
this comment.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, and
any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed
in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on
any operator.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1408 RB,
dated December 20, 2024. This material specifies procedures for an
external general visual inspection of the fuselage skin for any repair
and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions include
repetitive detailed inspection for cracking of the fuselage skin;
repetitive external surface high frequency eddy current (HFEC)
inspections of the fuselage skin at certain fastener locations and the
fuselage skin and bear strap along the edge of door corner radius for
cracking; repetitive external subsurface low frequency eddy current
(LFEC) inspection of the bear strap at certain fastener locations for
cracking; and obtaining instructions from Boeing for alternative
inspections or for crack repair.
This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 471 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
[[Page 50700]]
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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External general visual 1 work-hour x $85 $0 $85.................. $40,035.
inspection for repairs. per hour = $85.
External detailed and eddy Up to 4 work-hours x 0 Up to $340........... Up to $160,140 per
current inspections for cracks. $85 per hour = $340 inspection cycle.
per inspection
cycle.
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition repairs or for the alternative
inspections specified in this AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2026-15-11 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-23423; Docket No. FAA-
2025-3985; Project Identifier AD-2025-00493-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 10,
2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-8, 737-9, and
737-8200 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1408 RB, dated December
20, 2024.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the bear strap at
the forward upper corner of the forward galley door cutout. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address cracks in the fuselage skin and bear
strap, which may lead to the inability of the principal structural
element to sustain limit loads and adversely affect the structural
integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1408 RB, dated December 20, 2024,
do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
737-53A1408 RB, dated December 20, 2024.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-53A1408, dated December 20, 2024, which is referred to in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1408 RB, dated December 20, 2024.
(h) Exceptions to Requirements Bulletin Specifications
(1) Where Compliance Time columns of the tables in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-
53A1408 RB, dated December 20, 2024, refer to the original issue
date of Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1408 RB, this AD requires using
the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1408 RB,
dated December 20, 2024, specifies contacting Boeing for repair
instructions or for alternative inspections, this AD requires doing
the repair, or doing the alternative inspections and applicable on-
condition actions, using a method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety Branch,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or
responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the Continued Operational
Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#17565a58545771767639707861"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="397874767a795f5858175e564f">[email protected]</span></a>. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
[[Page 50701]]
(2) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD
if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, AIR-
520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA, to make those
findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation,
or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the
airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD.
(j) Additional Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Luis Cortez-
Muniz, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3958; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f39f869a80dd92dd909c81879689de9e869d9a89b3959292dd949c85"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cea2bba7bde0afe0ada1bcbaabb4e3a3bba0a7b48ea8afafe0a9a1b8">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by
reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (k)(3)
of this AD.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1408 RB, dated
December 20, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Boeing material identified in this AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS),
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600;
telephone 562-797-1717; website <a href="http://myboeingfleet.com">myboeingfleet.com</a>.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St.,
Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6503174b0c0b16150006110c0a0b250b0417044b020a13"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="eb8d99c58285989b8e889f828485ab858a998ac58c849d">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on August 3, 2026.
Brian Knaup,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-15936 Filed 8-5-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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