FAA Pushes Quick Crack Checks on Boeing 737-800 Skins
Published Date: 7/22/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly or fix Boeing 737-800 planes, listen up! The FAA wants to speed up safety checks for cracks on the plane’s skin and add new inspections after certain fixes. This means quicker action to keep everyone safe, and it might affect maintenance schedules and costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Faster Inspections for 737-800s
If you operate or maintain Boeing Model 737-800 airplanes, the FAA proposes to shorten the compliance times in Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-08-15 so required inspections for fuselage skin cracking must be done sooner. The inspections target cracking along chem-mill steps at certain crown skin and shear wrinkle areas and still require repair if cracking is found.
Post-Modification Inspections Required
If you perform an optional terminating action (a modification) for the AD on Boeing 737-800 airplanes, the FAA proposes to require post-modification inspections. Those inspections would apply after completing the optional action described in the AD.
Repetitive Inspections and Repairs Continue
The proposed rule keeps the current AD 2013-08-15 requirement for repetitive inspections for cracking of the fuselage skin on certain Model 737-800 airplanes and still requires repair if cracking is found. The inspections focus on chem-mill steps at certain crown skin and shear wrinkle areas.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-16803, Notice of Availability, Notice of Public Comment Period and Request for Comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) and FAA Order 1050.1G, FAA National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures, the FAA is announcing the availability of and requesting comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America (Draft EA).
2026-16795, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737 -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of nuisance stick shaker activation while accelerating to cruise speed at the top of a climb due to frozen angle of airflow (AOA) sensor vanes. This proposed AD would require installing new external case heaters (ECHs) on the left and right AOA sensors, performing repetitive functional tests and applicable corrective actions, and accomplishing applicable concurrent actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-16804, Establishment of Class E Airspace; Trading Bay Production Airport, Trading Bay, AK
This action proposes to establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Trading Bay Production Airport, Trading Bay, AK. This action would support the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-13697, Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; CCR Management Unit Deadline Extension Rule
The EPA is giving power plants and waste managers more time to meet new rules about handling leftover coal waste safely. They’re proposing to extend deadlines by a whole year for important safety reports and cleanup steps, making it easier to follow the rules without rushing. This change helps protect the environment while giving folks a fair chance to get everything done right.
Next: 2025-13742, Airworthiness Directives; Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders
If you own a Schempp-Hirth CIRRUS glider, listen up! The FAA wants you to check a part in the tail that might break and cause trouble. If the part’s bad, you’ll need to swap it out soon to keep flying safe—no big money hits expected, just a quick fix to keep you soaring.