FAA Orders Boeing 737 Max Inspections Over Fuselage Crack Fears
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered inspections of Boeing 737 Max jets for possible fuselage cracks. The directive affects 471 US-registered Boeing 737 Max aircraft, which must undergo inspections by September 10, 2026.
The airworthiness directive comes after cracks were found in the bear strap of older Boeing 737 aircraft. This component supports the fuselage around the exit doors and is similar to the design used in the 737 Max. Although no cracks have been detected on the 737 Max yet, the FAA has decided to require inspections as a precaution.
The FAA estimates that an initial visual inspection will take one work-hour and cost approximately $85 per aircraft, totaling around $40,035 for all 471 affected planes. A more detailed inspection could add up to four work-hours, increasing the estimated cost to $160,140.