Cracking has been observed in the field in the cut out of the kicker plate which decreases the life of the thrust reverser pivot door. The root cause of the cracking is attributed to cycle fatigue as currently installed.
A Service Bulletin will be released that will replace the existing kicker plate with a two piece kicker plate that has a split in the area of the cracking and then a doubling strap will be installed to bring the door back to full life.
An OEM service bulletin is expected in the 4th quarter of 2013.