April 19, 2001 5:40:00 PM ET

WASHINGTON, April 19 (Reuters) - U.S. aviation safety mandates
proposed on Thursday would expand inspections for fatigue cracks in the
framework of the fuselage on Boeing 747 aircraft.

The Federal Aviation Administration, in a proposed airworthiness
directive for
Boeing 747-100 and 200 models, targeted cracks in the frame assembly at
a
point in the rear half of the plane.

About 258 planes used worldwide are affected, with 139 operated by U.S.
carriers.

Another proposed directive would require inspections for cracks in
aluminum
chords that ring the inside of the fuselage sooner and more frequently than
mandated in a previous directive.

About 1,115 planes used worldwide fleet are affected, with 258 operated
by U.S. carriers.

Aircraft maker Boeing (BA) has already recommended that 747 operators
take
the steps now being sought by the government.

© 2001 Reuters