Repairs assessment for pressurized fuselages

This regulation requires operators of certain older pressurized aircraft models to incorporate FAA-approved repair assessment guidelines into their inspection programs once the aircraft reaches a specified number of flight cycles (takeoff/landing sequences). The requirement applies to specific models of Airbus A300, BAC 1-11, Boeing 707/720/727/737/747, McDonnell Douglas DC-8/DC-9/MD-80/DC-10, Fokker F28, and Lockheed L-1011 aircraft.

The guidelines must cover the fuselage pressure boundary—the parts that contain cabin pressure, including fuselage skin, door skin, and bulkhead webs. Each aircraft model has a different flight cycle threshold ranging from 15,000 to 60,000 flights, with some Airbus A300 variants having different thresholds above and below the window line.

This rule addresses metal fatigue in aging aircraft. Repeated pressurization cycles cause microscopic cracks that can grow over time, so systematic assessment of all repairs to pressure-containing structures becomes critical as aircraft age.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*