FAA Cracks Down on Boeing 767 Skin Issues
Published Date: 3/12/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is rolling out new safety checks for certain Boeing 767-200 and 767-300 airplanes because tiny cracks called scribe lines were found on their skin. Some planes need detailed inspections, while others require regular crack tests and fixes to keep flying safe. These rules kick in on April 16, 2026, and might cost airlines some time and money but will keep passengers safer in the sky.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Inspections and Repairs Required for 767s
If you operate certain Boeing 767-200 or 767-300 airplanes (Groups 13 and 14 or specific STC-converted freighters), you must perform detailed inspections for scribe lines and nondestructive testing at specified stringers and station ranges, and do any required repairs. The AD is effective April 16, 2026, and the FAA estimates inspections may take up to 340 work-hours (340 x $85 = $28,900) per inspection cycle and that 3 U.S.-registered airplanes are affected.
Passenger Safety Risk Reduced
The AD addresses scribe lines that could develop into fatigue cracks and cause rapid decompression. By requiring inspections, testing, and repairs on certain Boeing 767-200 and 767-300 airplanes, the rule aims to reduce the safety risk to passengers starting April 16, 2026.
IAI-Converted Freighter Interval Adjustment
For Model 767 airplanes converted to freighters by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the FAA revised the previously proposed 0.10 interval factor and now refers to IAI-Aviation Group Service Bulletin 368-53-073, Revision 2, dated September 2025, for repetitive inspection intervals. This changes how often certain detailed inspections for scribe lines must be done on those IAI-converted freighters.
Terminating Old AD for STC-Modified Planes
For Model 767-200 and 767-300 airplanes converted to special freighters by STC ST01433SE or ST02040SE, completing the initial actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD terminates the requirements of AD 2010-06-16. This provides a path to end compliance with the earlier AD after the new actions are done.
Flexibility Through AMOC and STC Note
The AD allows alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) approved by the Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA, under 14 CFR 39.19, and notes that installation of STC ST01920SE does not affect ability to accomplish the AD actions (no change-in-product AMOC is needed for that STC). Operators may request AMOCs and must notify their principal inspector before using them.
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