Action
Final rule.
Summary
This action requires operators of certain transport category airplanes to incorporate repair assessment guidelines for the fuselage pressure boundary into their FAA-approved maintenance or inspection program. This action is the result of concern for the continued operational safety of airplanes that are approaching or have exceeded their design service goal. The purpose of the repair assessment guidelines is to establish a damage-tolerance based supplement inspection program for repairs to detect damage, which may develop in a repaired area, before that damage degrades the load carrying capability of the structure below the levels required by the applicable airworthiness standards.