FAA Rejects Boeing's Urgent Inspection Request for Fatigued 767 Wings

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has rejected Boeing's request to accelerate inspections for fatigue cracks on certain 767 wings. The cracks, located near stringers L-9.5 and L-6.5, pose a risk of wing separation.

Boeing had urged the FAA to conduct inspections within 3,000 flight cycles, but regulators declined, citing the adequacy of existing thresholds and correct repair installation.

The FAA's directive, AD 2026-16-06, affects 195 US-registered planes mainly operated by United and Delta. Inspections are now mandated for 767-300 and 767-300F aircraft with Aviation Partners winglets.

Boeing's request was initially misattributed to another firm by the FAA, which also wrongly assumed that prior repairs were properly installed. This echoes a similar issue with the 787 fin bolt directive, where the FAA admitted its 2022 rule allowed ineffective sealant methods.