Boeing 757s Need Stricter Maintenance Checks Soon
Published Date: 4/29/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating safety rules for Boeing 757-200 and -300 airplanes to keep them flying safely. Owners must update their maintenance plans with new, stricter checks starting June 3, 2026. This helps prevent problems but might mean some extra work and costs for airlines.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Revise Maintenance Program Within 30 Days
If you operate Boeing 757-200 or -300 airplanes modified under STC ST01518SE, you must revise your existing maintenance or inspection program within 30 days after June 3, 2026. The initial compliance for the new tasks is at the times in the incorporated service information or within 6 months or 500 flight cycles after June 3, 2026, whichever occurs later.
FAA Cost and Affected Fleet Estimate
The FAA estimates this AD affects 156 U.S.-registered airplanes and that revising maintenance or inspection programs takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, at an estimated average cost per operator of $7,650 (90 hours x $85/hour).
AD Aims To Prevent Wing Fatigue Cracking
The AD was issued after a crack was found at the splice fitting near wing station WS 711 on a 757 with Aviation Partners Boeing modifications; it requires new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations to address fatigue cracking on the wing and winglet to prevent the inability of a principal structural element to sustain limit loads.
Reporting Requirement and On-Condition Cost
The AD requires certain reports to be submitted within 10 days after the airplane is returned to service, and the FAA estimates on-condition reporting takes about 1 work-hour at $85 per response.
Revisions Terminate Parts of Prior AD
For Boeing 757-200 and -300 airplanes modified in accordance with STC ST01518SE, accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates the requirements in paragraphs (g) and (h)(2) of AD 2020-01-18 for those airplanes.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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