FAA Inspects 737 Max Jets for Cracks After Structural Reinforcement Issue

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered inspections of hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets to check for cracks in the plane's body. The directive applies to an estimated 471 US-registered Boeing 737 Max 8s, Max 9s, and Max 8-200 airplanes.

Cracks were found on some planes in a structural reinforcement around the forward service door on the right side of the airplane, next to the front galley. The FAA warned that undetected damage could reduce the aircraft's structural integrity.

Airlines must inspect the area on a schedule based on each airplane's usage and repair any cracking before returning an affected airplane to service. Boeing has changed its manufacturing process to address the issue on newly built airplanes, according to the FAA.