The U.S. aircraft register, updated daily
FAA orders · airworthiness directive · current

85-12-01 R1: Significant Structural Detail Inspection

FAA order 85-12-01 R1 is an airworthiness directive in force since November 14, 1986. The FAA's subject line: Significant Structural Detail Inspection. It names Boeing 707: about 9 aircraft on the U.S. register today, though an order usually covers particular versions or serial numbers rather than every one. System: airframe structure.

What it applies to as the FAA lists it

Kind of product
Aircraft
Makes
The Boeing Company
Models
707-100 Long Body, 707-100B Long Body, 707-100B Short Body, 707-200, 707-300 Series, 707-300B Series, 707-300C Series, 707-400 Series, 720 Series, 720B Series
On this site
Boeing 707 9 registered

Dates and paperwork

In force since
November 14, 1986
Docket
Unknown
Status
Current
The FAA's document
Read the order on the FAA's site

The order itself the regulatory text, as published

Show the full text (3,908 characters)
85-12-01 R1 BOEING: Amendment 39-5073 as amended by Amendment 39-5439. Applies to Model 707/720 series airplanes, certificated in all categories. Compliance is required as indicated in the body of the AD. \n\n\tTo ensure continuing structural integrity, accomplish the following, unless already accomplished: \n\n\tA.\tWithin 180 days after the effective date of the amendment, incorporate a revision into the FAA-approved maintenance inspection program which requires accomplishment of the inspection and repairs, as necessary, of each Significant Structural Detail (SSD) as listed in Boeing Document D6-44860, Supplemental Structural Inspection Document (SSID), Revision M, or later FAA-approved revision. The revision to the maintenance program must include procedures to notify the manufacturer when SSD's are found cracked. The inspection thresholds, repetitive inspection intervals, inspection techniques, and terminating action for each SSD are listed in the SSID. Incorporate this revision to the maintenance program in accordance with paragraphs B., C., and D., below. \n\n\tB.\tThe increase of inspection intervals in accordance with Section 5.2 of Boeing Document D6-44860, Revision M, is not permitted, except as provided in paragraphs F. and G., below. \n\n\tC.\tInspect each Significant Structural Detail (SSD) which has exceeded the initial threshold specified in Boeing Document D6-44860, Revision M, within 180 days after the effective date of this amendment. Significant Structural Details which are below the inspection thresholds specified in Boeing Document D6-44860, Revision M, must have an initial inspection within 180 days after the effective date of this amendment or prior to reaching the threshold, whichever is later. Accomplish these inspections in accordance with Boeing Document D6- 44860, Revision M, or later FAA-approved revisions. \n\n\tD.\tIf cracks are found, prior to further flight: (1) replace with a serviceable FAA approved part of the same part number, or an FAA approved replacement part provided by the manufacturer; or (2) repair in accordance with the Boeing Structural Repair Manual or repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region. \n\n\tE.\tAircraft may be ferried to a maintenance base for repair in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199. \n\n\tF.\tAlternate means of compliance which provide an acceptable level of safety may be used when approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region. \n\n\tG.\tUpon request of the operator, an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, subject to prior approval of the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, may adjust the repetitive inspection intervals specified in this AD, if the request contains substantiating data to justify the increase for that operator. \n\n\tH.\tOperators who have acceptably incorporated the requirements of paragraphA., above, into their approved maintenance program, including the limitations listed in paragraphs B., C. and D., above, are exempt from the provisions of this AD. \n\n\tI.\tSignificant Structural Details (SSD) which are the subject of separate AD action are exempted from the requirements of this AD. \n\n\tAll persons affected by this directive who have not already received the appropriate service documents from the manufacturer may obtain copies upon request to the Boeing Commercial Airplane Company, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. These documents may be examined at the FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, 17900 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, Washington, or the Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 9010 East Marginal Way South, Seattle, Washington. \n\n\tAmendment 39-5073 became effective July 5, 1985. \n\tThis amendment, 39-5439, becomes effective November 14, 1986.

Related safety bulletins advice on the same designs, not orders

2014-11-24NM-15-03 · Flight Controls
2014-11-06NM-15-02 · Cabin Equipment/Furnishings
2007-03-14NM-07-19 · Freeplay of the outboard aileron tabs

Source: FAA Dynamic Regulatory System, airworthiness directives. The FAA's document is the authority; the register counts are this site's, from the FAA register of November 6, 2026. Connections as data: /graph/directive/85-12-01 R1.json · aircraft systems.