FAA Proposed Airworthiness Directive: Boeing 757-200 Forward Cargo Bay Frame Inspection

The FAA is proposing a new airworthiness directive (AD) targeting certain Boeing 757-200 series airplanes equipped with an Air Cargo Equipment (ACE) cargo loading system in the forward cargo bay. The action was triggered by a discovered crack in the airframe structure during a routine structural inspection, indicating a potential systemic safety risk across similarly configured aircraft. The proposed AD mandates two primary compliance actions: first, a one-time inspection or maintenance records check of specific frames to identify any existing repairs; second, repetitive High Frequency Eddy Current (HFEC) surface inspections of those same frames to detect any cracks. If cracks or repairs are found, applicable on-condition corrective actions must be taken. The FAA's goal is to prevent structural failure resulting from undetected frame cracking, which could compromise the airworthiness and safe operation of affected 757-200 aircraft. As a proposed rule, the AD is open for public comment before finalization.

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