The US Federal Aviation Administration has ordered US operators to inspect 500 of their Classic Boeing 737s for fatigue cracks in aft pressure bulkheads.
An airworthiness directive (AD) requires operators of early model 737s to perform either electronic or visual inspections. The emergency order stems from the discovery of fatigue cracks on the aft pressure bulkhead of some 737-200s. Such cracks could cause rapid decompression.
Aircraft that have performed more than 40,000 cycles must be inspected within the next 375 takeoffs and landings or 60 days from the effective date of the AD, whichever is later. More time is given to younger 737s. Operators must then repeat the inspections.
The AD is an interim action pending a final solution.
Source: Flight International
