FAA Orders Crack Checks on Boeing 747-8s
Published Date: 6/8/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants Boeing 747-8 airplane owners to check for cracks in a specific part of the plane’s skin to keep flights safe. They’re proposing regular high-tech inspections and fixes if cracks show up. Comments are open until July 23, 2026, and these checks might cost some time and money but will keep everyone flying safely.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Reduces Risk of Rapid Decompression
You (passengers and crew) benefit because the inspections are intended to find cracks in the fuselage skin lap splice that could otherwise lead to possible rapid decompression and loss of structural integrity. The proposed AD would require actions based on Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-53A2913 RB, dated December 19, 2025, to address that unsafe condition.
Required HFEC Inspections for 747-8s
If you operate Boeing Model 747-8 series airplanes, the FAA proposes repetitive external high-frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections of the upper fastener row of the fuselage skin lap splice between station (STA) 1350 and STA 1480 at stringers S-23L and S-23R, plus any on-condition repairs following Boeing procedures. The FAA estimates the inspection takes 8 work-hours at $85/hour = $680 per inspection cycle (parts $0) and estimates 3 affected U.S.-registered airplanes (total U.S. cost $2,040 per inspection cycle).
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