FAA Inspects Nearly 500 Boeing Jets for Structural Cracks

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered inspections of nearly 500 Boeing jets for possible cracks in a structural support piece. The directive applies to 471 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft registered in the U.S., including the 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 models.

The FAA discovered cracks in a structural support around a service door on older Boeing models, prompting the inspection order. Regulators are asking airlines to check a support piece, known as a bear strap, located near the front service door by the galley.

The inspections will require visual checks of the fuselage skin for cracks and repairs as needed. The compliance times vary between 3,000 to 30,000 flight cycles. Boeing has been working with airlines to address the issue since identifying it six years ago.