FAA Mandates Crack Checks on Boeing 747-8F Freighters
Published Date: 11/17/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to make sure Boeing 747-8F airplanes stay safe by checking for cracks in certain parts of the plane’s body. They’re asking owners to inspect specific areas and fix any problems found to keep flights smooth and secure. Comments on this plan are open until January 2, 2026, and these inspections might cost some time and money but are super important for safety.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Estimated compliance costs to U.S. operators
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 11 U.S.-registered airplanes. Estimated labor cost for the radius-filler inspection is up to 124 work-hours (up to $10,540) per airplane and up to $115,940 total for U.S. operators; the detailed cracking inspection is up to 244 work-hours (up to $20,740) per airplane and up to $228,140 total for U.S. operators. On-condition actions include removal/installation of radius fillers at $595 per location and replacement of a cracked splice channel estimated at $26,309 per replacement (300 work-hours = $25,500 labor + $809 parts).
Mandatory inspections for 747-8F stringers
The FAA would require inspections of each free flange of the stringers at the stringer splice, and detailed inspections for cracking of stringers and stringer splice fittings on Boeing Model 747-8F airplanes identified as Group 3 in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-53A2907 RB, Revision 1, dated March 14, 2025. These actions must be done at the times specified in that Boeing requirements bulletin.
Manufacturer warranty may reduce operator costs
The FAA notes the manufacturer has told the agency that some or all costs of complying with this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, which could reduce the cost impact on affected operators.
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