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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06506 — Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Inc. Airplanes
The FAA is making a new rule for Bombardier airplanes to fix a problem where the nose wheel steering can act up during landing. Owners of certain Bombardier CL-600 models must replace specific screws in the nosewheel steering system and update their maintenance plans by May 8, 2026. This keeps flights safe and avoids costly repairs down the road.
2026-06563 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA wants Airbus A350-941 owners to fix a problem where some wing and belly parts weren’t tightened right during manufacturing. They’ll need to replace certain parts and add extra protection to keep the plane safe. Comments on this plan are open until May 18, 2026, and the fixes might cost some time and money but will keep flights safe and sound.
2026-06543 — Amendment of Class D and Class E2 Airspace Over Binghamton, NY
The FAA is shrinking the controlled airspace around Greater Binghamton Airport from a 4.4-mile radius to 4.3 miles. This change affects pilots flying near Binghamton, NY, making the airspace a bit tighter but still safe and efficient. The new rules kick in on July 9, 2026, with no extra costs for anyone.
2026-06492 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA wants all Airbus A350-941 and -1041 airplanes to replace certain flight control parts that might have been damaged during testing. This change keeps planes safe by banning the use of these risky parts. Airlines need to act before May 18, 2026, and while it might cost some money, it’s all about keeping flights smooth and secure.
2026-06527 — Airworthiness Directives; Honda Aircraft Company LLC Airplanes
If you own a Honda HA-420 airplane, listen up! The FAA says you need to replace your flap control pushrods with new, tougher ones that don’t need constant anti-rust treatments. This new rule kicks in on May 8, 2026, and helps keep your plane safe without extra hassle or cost from repeated maintenance.
2026-06534 — Airworthiness Directives; DG Aviation GmbH (Type Certificate Previously Held by DG Flugzeugbau GmbH) Gliders
If you own or maintain a DG-1000M glider, listen up! The FAA found cracks near the engine mount and is requiring inspections, maintenance updates, and new parts like a carbon fiber bracket to keep your glider safe. These changes kick in April 20, 2026, so get ready to inspect, adjust, and balance before then—safety first, and no surprise costs if you stay on top of it!
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.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in