Boeing 737s Get Extra Crackdown on Skin Splits
Published Date: 5/30/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating safety rules for certain Boeing 737-600 planes because cracks in the fuselage can grow faster than we thought. Pilots and airlines must inspect and fix these cracks more often and sooner than before, and if they do a special fix, they still need to keep checking. These changes help keep flights safe but might mean more inspections and costs coming up faster.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Faster, More Frequent Fuselage Inspections
The FAA proposes to supersede AD 2013-08-08 for certain Boeing 737-600 airplanes so pilots and airlines must inspect and repair fuselage skin cracks sooner and more often than before. The rule shortens the initial compliance times and reduces the repetitive inspection intervals to address faster and more widespread crack growth.
Post‑Modification Inspections Required Even If Fixed
The proposed AD keeps the optional modification from AD 2013-08-08 but would require that operators perform post-modification inspections even if they complete that special fix. That means doing the optional fix will not end inspection obligations; you must keep checking afterward.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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