FAA Mandates Wing Coating Inspections for Boeing 777 Fleet
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated inspections of the upper wing coatings on all Boeing 777 aircraft. The decision follows the discovery of a 13-centimeter crack on the right wing of a Boeing 777.
The new directive applies to Boeing 777-200, 777-200LR, 777-300, 777-300ER, and 777F models. Additionally, the FAA has determined that previous inspection methods may be insufficient, requiring airlines to use high-frequency eddy current (HFEC) testing instead of ultrasound. Boeing reported that some cracks were only detected during repairs, prompting the implementation of this requirement.
The directive takes effect on April 23, 2025, and airlines operating Boeing 777s are advised to plan their maintenance schedules accordingly.
