FAA Orders Crack Inspections for Hundreds of Boeing 737 Max Jets
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an order for inspections on hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets, citing concerns over cracks in certain models.
The directive applies to 471 planes under three specific models: the 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200. Although no cracks have been found in these Max models yet, the FAA is taking precautions due to similarities between the design and build process of these jets and older 'Next-Generation' 737 planes that have reported issues.
The FAA warned that if not addressed, this issue could compromise the structural integrity of the airplane. Boeing has acknowledged the problem and stated it had previously identified and reported it, working with operators to address the issue since 2019.
The directive also requires inspections of the fuselage skin of planes with existing repairs. This move follows years of safety concerns surrounding the 737 Max, including two deadly crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people, as well as a more recent incident where a panel flew off one of its Max 9 planes midflight.