FAA Orders Boeing 747 Landing Gear Swap-Out by Spring
Published Date: 2/10/2025
Rule
Summary
The FAA is requiring all Boeing 747 models to replace certain landing gear parts because some were damaged during manufacturing. This fix keeps planes safe and must be done by March 17, 2025. Airlines will need to check and swap out any affected parts, which helps prevent landing gear problems but might cost some time and money.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory landing-gear fixes for 747s
If you operate or fly on any Boeing Model 747 (including 747-100, -200, -300, -400, -400D, -400F, 747SP, and 747SR series), the FAA requires replacement of any affected nose, body, or wing landing-gear outer cylinders to address possible heat damage. This AD is effective March 17, 2025, and directs operators to follow Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-32A2535 RB, dated January 22, 2024, to find and replace affected parts to prevent landing-gear failure that could cause loss of control or a runway departure.
Inspections and replacement costs for operators
The FAA estimates the rule affects 168 U.S.-registered Boeing 747 airplanes and requires an inspection or maintenance records check costing 3 work-hours at $85/hour (cost per airplane $255) for a U.S. total of $42,840. If replacement is required, the FAA estimates each replacement of an outer cylinder costs 161 work-hours at $85/hour ($13,685) plus parts at $325,000, for a cost per replaced part of $338,685; the AD notes an estimated 67 affected parts would total $22,691,895 on U.S. operators.
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