FAA Finalizes Fatigue Damage Rule

FAA has issued a final rule on widespread fatigue damage requiring that design approval holders set a time- or cycle-based limit after which structural damage inspections must take place for aircraft as they age. The agency believes that the rule will prevent accidents, extend the economic life of the operational fleet, and help to eliminate the need for emergency airworthiness directives. It notes that this final rule specifically addresses widespread fatigue damage and as such serves as the last element of the aging aircraft program already in place.

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The final rule can be found here:
http://www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2010-28363_PI.pdf