FAA Mandates Fuselage Inspections for Older Boeing 737 Models

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a final rule requiring inspections for cracks in the fuselage skin of older Boeing 737 airplanes. The directive targets the area underneath the aft drain mast, where reports indicate cracks can develop in the skin and supporting structure.

Why it matters: This rule addresses a specific structural risk in older 737 models. The FAA determined that cracks near the aft drain mast could eventually weaken the fuselage enough to cause rapid decompression. The fix is standard maintenance: checking for damage and repairing it. The impact is narrow, limited to the 123 U.S.-registered aircraft identified in the directive.

Who it affects

• Operators and owners of Boeing 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes registered in the United States.

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The Federal Aviation Administration published this airworthiness directive in the Federal Register; operators should review the full document for the exact list of affected serial numbers and approved repair procedures before relying on this summary.

Agency: Transportation Department, Federal Aviation Administration
Source: Federal Register — read the official document