FAA Orders Crack Inspections on Hundreds of Boeing 737 Max Jets

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an airworthiness directive requiring inspections of hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets due to cracks in the body of the plane.

The directive affects approximately 471 U.S.-registered 737 Max 8s, Max 9s, and Max 8-200 aircraft. The issue is related to structural reinforcement around the forward service door on the right side of the airplane, near the front galley.

Airlines are required to inspect this area based on each plane's usage and repair any cracks before returning an affected aircraft to service. Boeing has implemented changes to its manufacturing process to address this issue on newly built planes.

The FAA emphasized that the inspection intervals provide multiple opportunities to detect cracks before they compromise the airplane's structural integrity. The directive takes effect on September 10th, and no grounding of the aircraft is ordered at this time.