FAA Orders Inspections for Hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX Jets

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered inspections of hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX jets due to potential cracks in structural components. The directive affects 471 aircraft registered in the United States, including certain 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 models.

The cracks were found in what is known as the 'bear strap,' a reinforcement surrounding doorways and emergency exits on older 737 aircraft. Boeing notified operators of this issue in 2019 and provided instructions for conducting inspections, which became mandatory through an airworthiness directive in 2021.

Although the cracking has not been observed in the 737 MAX fleet, Boeing extended the recommended inspections to these aircraft because they share a design and manufacturing process similar to affected older models. The FAA's latest inspection order comes as Boeing works to increase 737 MAX production following years of heightened federal oversight.