Rule2026-20120
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
October 1, 2026
Effective
November 5, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 757-300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a crack growth analysis that indicated that existing maintenance planning data (MPD) and supplemental structural inspection program (SSIP) tasks do not provide adequate inspection opportunities to detect cracks in the upper frames around the uppermost fastener common to the fail-safe chord at the fuselage frame splices. This AD requires an inspection or maintenance record check for existing repairs, repetitive inspections of the upper frames around the uppermost fastener common to the fail-safe chord at the fuselage frame splices for any cracks, 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 189 (Thursday, October 1, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 189 (Thursday, October 1, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 62299-62301]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-20120]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-2730; Project Identifier AD-2025-01579-T;
Amendment 39-23477; AD 2026-20-04]
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 all
The Boeing Company Model 757-300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted
by a crack growth analysis that indicated that existing maintenance
planning data (MPD) and supplemental structural inspection program
(SSIP) tasks do not provide adequate inspection opportunities to detect
cracks in the upper frames around the uppermost fastener common to the
fail-safe chord at the fuselage frame splices. This AD requires an
inspection or maintenance record check for existing repairs, repetitive
inspections of the upper frames around the uppermost fastener common to
the fail-safe chord at the fuselage frame splices for any cracks, and
applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective November 5, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 5,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-2730; 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-2026-2730.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wayne Ha, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 562-627-5238;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8bfceaf2e5eea5e3eacbedeaeaa5ece4fd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a9dec8d0c7cc87c1c8e9cfc8c887cec6df">[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 all The Boeing Company
Model 757-300 series airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on April 2, 2026 (91 FR 16593). The NPRM was prompted by a
report that crack growth analysis indicated that existing MPD and SSIP
tasks do not provide adequate inspection opportunities to detect cracks
in the upper frames around the uppermost fastener common to the fail-
safe chord at the fuselage frame splices between stringers S-13 to S-
14, from station (STA) 1380 to STA 1620. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed
to require an inspection or maintenance record check for existing
repairs, repetitive inspections of the upper frames around the
uppermost fastener common to the fail-safe chord at the fuselage frame
splices for any cracks, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address cracking in the upper frames around the
uppermost fastener common to the fail-safe chord at certain fuselage
frame splices, which could lead to multiple upper frame failures. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in the inability of a
principal structural element to sustain limit loads and the loss of
continued safe flight and landing.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from Boeing who supported the NPRM
without change.
The FAA received additional comments from Aviation Partners Boeing
(APB) and United Airlines (United). The following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions
APB stated that accomplishing Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
ST01518SE does not affect the actions specified in the proposed AD. APB
stated that Boeing has delegation from APB to review and approve data
in areas affected by STC ST01518SE for the blended winglet
configuration. The provisions of paragraph (i)(2) in the proposed AD
remain applicable to The Boeing Company Model 757-300 series airplanes
modified by STC ST01518SE, with blended winglets or production wingtips
installed.
The FAA concurs with the commenter. The FAA has redesignated
paragraph (c) of the proposed AD as paragraph (c)(1) of this AD and
added paragraph (c)(2) to this AD to state that installation of STC
ST01518SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions
required by this AD. Therefore,
[[Page 62300]]
for airplanes on which STC ST01518SE is installed, a ``change in
product'' alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approval request is
not necessary to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
Request To Correct Typographical Error in Service Material
United requested that the FAA revise Table 2 of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0122 RB, dated September 26, 2025, to
correct the references to stringers S-13L and S-14L in certain steps.
United stated that Table 2 applies to the right side in both the
compliance and actions required for compliance sections and, therefore,
the stringer references should be S-13R and S-14R.
The FAA agrees that Table 2 of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
757-53A0122 RB, dated September 26, 2025, contains typographical errors
in certain stringer references. The FAA has added an exception in
paragraph (h)(3) of this AD to correct the typographical errors.
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 757-53A0122 RB,
dated September 26, 2025. This material specifies procedures for
performing a general visual inspection or a maintenance records check
of the forward and aft sides of the upper frames at the frame splices
between S-13 and S-14 on the left and right sides, from STA 1380 to STA
1620, for any repair and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition
actions include contacting Boeing for alternative inspection and
corrective action instructions and doing the alternative inspection and
applicable corrective actions in the repaired areas.
This material also specifies procedures for repetitive detailed
inspections of the upper frames around the uppermost fastener common to
the fail-safe chord at the frame splices between S-13 and S-14 on the
left and right sides, from STA 1380 to STA 1620, for any crack and
applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions include
contacting Boeing for repair instructions and doing the 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 37 airplanes of U.S.
registry. 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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General visual inspection or Up to 70 work-hours $0 Up to $5,950........ Up to $220,150.
maintenance records check. x $85 per hour =
$5,950.
Detailed inspection............... 4 work-hours x $85 0 $340 per inspection $12,580 per
per hour = $340 per cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the alternative inspections and on-condition actions
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:
2026-20-04 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-23477; Docket No. FAA-
2026-2730; Project Identifier AD-2025-01579-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 5, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
[[Page 62301]]
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 757-300
series airplanes, certificated in any category.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
ST01518SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions
required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01518SE
is installed, a ``change in product'' alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with
the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a crack growth analysis that indicated
that the existing maintenance planning data and supplemental
structural inspection program tasks do not provide adequate
inspection opportunities to detect cracks in the upper frames around
the uppermost fastener common to the fail-safe chord at certain
fuselage frame splices. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
cracking in the upper frames around the uppermost fastener common to
the fail-safe chord at certain fuselage frame splices, which could
lead to multiple upper frame failures. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in the inability of a principal structural
element to sustain limit loads and the loss of continued safe flight
and landing.
(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 757-53A0122 RB, dated September 26,
2025, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance
with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 757-53A0122 RB, dated September 26, 2025.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
757-53A0122, dated September 26, 2025, which is referred to in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0122 RB, dated September
26, 2025.
(h) Exceptions to Requirements Bulletin Specifications
(1) Where the Compliance Time column of the tables in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-
53A0122 RB, dated September 26, 2025, refers to the original issue
date of Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0122 RB, this AD requires using
the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0122 RB,
dated September 26, 2025, 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.
(3) Where Table 2 in the ``Compliance'' paragraph and the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
757-53A0122 RB, dated September 26, 2025, states ``S-13L and S-
14L'', for this AD replace that text with ``S-13R and S-14R''.
(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#692824262a290f0808470e061f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1b5a5654585b7d7a7a357c746d">[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.
(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 Wayne Ha,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone: 562-627-5238; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3344524a5d561d5b52735552521d545c45"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2651475f4843084e476640474708414950">[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 757-53A0122 RB, dated
September 26, 2025.
(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#8aecf8a4e3e4f9faefe9fee3e5e4cae4ebf8eba4ede5fc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7315015d1a1d00031610071a1c1d331d1201125d141c05">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on September 22, 2026.
Brian Knaup,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-20120 Filed 9-30-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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