FAA Proposes Inspections for Cracks on All Boeing 757 Airplanes

The Federal Aviation Administration on April 30, 2026, proposed a new airworthiness directive for all Boeing 757 airplanes, prompted by reports of crack damage in fuselage frame lower lobe areas, per the Federal Register notice signed by Donald Trump.

The proposal affects all Model 757 airplanes operated worldwide, including those in commercial passenger and cargo service. Boeing produced over 1,000 of these narrow-body jets between 1981 and 2004, with hundreds still in active use by major airlines like United and Delta, based on standard aviation industry data.

Currently, no such mandatory inspection exists for these specific crack issues in the affected fuselage sections. The proposed rule would require operators to inspect for existing reinforcing repairs and perform on-condition actions like repairs or replacements if cracks are found.

The rule would take effect after a final adoption following public comments, with no specific effective date set yet.

Public comments on the proposal close on June 15, 2026, after which the FAA will review submissions and potentially issue a final rule. Airlines would then need to schedule inspections within compliance timelines outlined in the final directive, potentially leading to grounded aircraft during maintenance.

The rulemaking process activates under regulation ID 2120-AA64, triggering possible incorporation of industry feedback into safety standards.

This proposed directive follows ongoing FAA oversight of Boeing aircraft safety, with the agency having issued multiple airworthiness directives for the 757 model in prior years to address structural concerns.