FAA Orders Boeing 737 MAX Inspections Amid Structural Integrity Concerns

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an airworthiness directive requiring operators to inspect nearly 500 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for structural fuselage cracks. The directive, which takes effect on September 10, applies to an estimated 471 US-registered 737 MAX 8, MAX 9, and MAX 8-200 aircraft.

The FAA has warned that undetected damage could compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft over time. While no cracks have been detected in the targeted 737 MAX models to date, the agency determined that the fleet is susceptible to the same structural condition as older 'Next-Generation' (NG) 737 models.

Under the mandate, airlines must execute inspections based on each aircraft's operational usage and complete any necessary repairs prior to returning affected planes to service. The directive also mandates checks on the fuselage skin of aircraft that have existing repairs.

Boeing has already modified its manufacturing process to address the structural issue in new-build aircraft. In a statement, the manufacturer noted that it originally identified the issue and has been collaborating with operators on solutions for the past six years.