The FAA has finalized a rule addressing more than 4,000 U.S.-registered aging commercial aircraft with a takeoff weight of 75,000 pounds or more, certified after 1957 and operated under FAR Parts 121 or 129. Aircraft manufacturers and certification applicants must now set a number of flight cycles (or hours) that such aircraft can be operated and remain free of widespread fatigue damage (WFD) without additional inspection. They have 18 to 60 months (from Jan. 14, 2011) to comply, depending on aircraft type.
The rule takes effect for older designs such as Airbus A300/A310s, Boeing 727s, 737-100s/-500s, all 747s (except the -400 and the new -8), Lockheed L-1011s and McDonnell Douglas DC-8s, DC-9s, DC-10s and MD-80s, in July 2012. Newer models, such as Airbus A380s, some Boeing 777s and Embraer E170/190s, must comply by January 2016. Operators of affected aircraft must incorporate the limits in maintenance programs within 30 to 72 months, according to model. Thereafter, they may not fly the aircraft beyond prescribed limits unless the FAA approves an extension.
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