FAA Inspects Nearly 500 Boeing Jets Over Possible Cracks

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered inspections of nearly 500 Boeing 737 MAX jets for possible cracks in a structural support. The directive comes after the agency discovered cracks in a bear strap, located near the front service door by the galley, on older Boeing models.

The inspections are intended to detect any cracking before it reaches a critical stage. According to the FAA, the compliance times vary between 3,000 to 30,000 flight cycles, and the airworthiness directive requires visual inspections of the fuselage skin for cracks and make repairs as needed.

This is not the first safety concern for Boeing in recent months. In July, a window on an older 737 model came loose during a flight in Greece, causing a passenger to be partially pulled out of the aircraft.