FAA Orders Boeing 767-300F Cargo Fitting Inspections Over Material Defects
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
The FAA has proposed an airworthiness directive for Boeing 767-300Fs to inspect cargo fittings due to a supplier's use of unapproved materials.
Key Takeaways
- •Proposes inspections for 43 U.S.-registered Boeing 767-300F aircraft.
- •Stems from a supplier's use of unapproved materials for cargo track fittings.
- •Requires X-ray spectrometer checks as detailed in a Boeing service bulletin.
- •Accepts public comments on the proposed rule through April 3, 2026.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would mandate inspections of cargo track fittings on certain Boeing 767-300 Freighter aircraft. This proposed Airworthiness Directive (AD) addresses a potential safety issue stemming from a Boeing supplier that used unapproved materials in the manufacturing of the components. The directive, if finalized, would apply to 43 U.S.-registered aircraft.
Unapproved Materials Prompt Regulatory Action
The core of the issue involves cargo track crown fittings that may not meet certified material strength and durability standards. According to the FAA, the use of these non-compliant materials could compromise the structural integrity of the cargo handling system, potentially leading to failure under load. This represents a significant concern for an aircraft with a maximum payload capacity of 52.7 tonnes. The proposed AD underscores the increasing regulatory scrutiny on aviation manufacturing oversight and aircraft component traceability throughout the supply chain.
To address the unsafe condition, the FAA's proposal incorporates instructions from Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-53A0337 RB, which was issued in October 2025. The bulletin calls for operators to perform X-ray fluorescent spectrometer inspections to verify the material composition of the cargo track crown fittings. Any fittings found to be made from the unapproved material must be replaced. The FAA is accepting public comments on the proposed rule until April 3, 2026, via the Federal Register.
Fleet and Industry Context
While the proposed AD directly affects 43 aircraft in the U.S., the Boeing 767-300F is a widely used freighter globally. According to data from Cirium cited by FlightGlobal, U.S. carriers operate a total of 348 of the 502 Boeing 767-300Fs in service worldwide. The aircraft, which first entered service with UPS in 1995, remains a critical asset for major cargo operators due to its reliability and capacity. The directive highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining aging freighter fleets and ensuring the integrity of components sourced from a complex global supply chain.
Following the public comment period, the FAA will review the feedback before potentially issuing a final rule. Operators of the affected aircraft would then be required to comply with the inspection and replacement mandates within a timeframe specified by the final AD. This action is part of a broader trend of regulators taking proactive measures to mitigate risks identified within aircraft manufacturing and supply processes.
Key Takeaways
- Proposes inspections for 43 U.S.-registered Boeing 767-300F aircraft.
- Stems from a supplier's use of unapproved materials for cargo track fittings.
- Requires X-ray spectrometer checks as detailed in a Boeing service bulletin.
- Accepts public comments on the proposed rule through April 3, 2026.
Visit flying.flights for the latest commercial aviation news and airline industry updates. For reporting on UAP sightings, investigations, and aviation-related encounters, see the UAPs section at flying.flights/uaps.
Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
Visit ProfileYou Might Also Like
Discover more aviation news based on similar topics
FAA Reports Laser Strikes on Aircraft Down for Second Consecutive Year
The FAA reports laser strikes on aircraft fell 14% in 2025, the second straight year of decline attributed to public outreach and enforcement efforts.
Power Bank Fire Forces Alaska Airlines Emergency Landing in Wichita
An Alaska Airlines flight made an emergency landing after a power bank exploded, injuring one passenger and highlighting growing lithium battery fire risks.
FAA Mandates Replacement of Certain Safran PBEs Due to Failure Risk
The FAA has issued an airworthiness directive mandating the replacement of certain Safran PBEs due to a manufacturing flaw that can block oxygen flow.
GCAA Suspends Two Controllers After Loss of Separation Incident in Guyana
Guyana's GCAA has suspended two air traffic controllers after a United and Turpial Airlines flight came within five miles, half the required separation.
American Airlines 737 MAX Shows Bullet Holes After Colombia Flight
Colombian authorities are investigating an American Airlines 737 MAX after bullet holes were found post-flight in Miami, likely from its landing in Medellín.
Air India Sees Technical Incidents Spike Fourfold in January
Air India recorded a fourfold rise in technical incidents to 1.09 per 1,000 flights in January, prompting intensified regulatory scrutiny and new inspections.