Airworthiness Directives: The Boeing Company Airplanes

What it does

• •Proposes to supersede and update Airworthiness Directive 2022-15-01 for certain Boeing 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes, reducing compliance times for inspections and corrective actions related to vertical fin tension bolt holes.
• •Requires inspecting vertical fin tension bolt holes (16 locations) in aluminum crown frames, composite decks, and root fittings for corrosion and finish degradation, with reduced timeframes compared to the prior directive.
• •Mandates review of maintenance records to determine whether correct sealant application methods were used during bolt installation and requires performing applicable on-condition actions such as sealant application, bolt replacement, or structural repairs.

Why it matters

• •The FAA determined that optional sealant types previously allowed may not provide sufficient time to complete bolt installations without damage, and reports of more severe-than-expected corrosion indicate the prior directive's timeframes were inadequate.
• •Undetected corrosion in vertical fin tension bolt holes could cause the structure to fall below residual strength requirements, potentially resulting in loss of the vertical fin and loss of control of the airplane.

Who is affected

• •Operators of Boeing 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes (estimated 116 aircraft of U.S. registry affected).
• •Maintenance and inspection personnel at airlines operating these aircraft models.

What happens next

The FAA will accept public comments on this proposed rule until September 28, 2026, through regulations.gov or other specified methods, and may amend the proposal based on comments received before issuing a final rule.