FAA Orders Inspections for Hundreds of Boeing 737 Max Jets Due to Crack Concerns

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an order for inspections on hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets due to concerns about cracks in the aircraft's structure. The directive, which takes effect on September 10th, affects 471 planes, including the 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 models.

The FAA is taking this measure to address an 'unsafe condition' related to previous reports of cracks in older 'Next-Generation' 737 planes. Although no cracks have been found on these specific Max models, the agency notes that they share a similar design and build process with the affected older models, making them susceptible to the same crack condition.

Boeing has acknowledged this issue and stated that it previously identified and reported the problem in 2019. The company claims to have been working with operators on inspections for over six years and had already expanded those checks to Max jets prior to the FAA's latest directive.