FAA Orders Inspections for Hundreds of Boeing 737 Max Jets Over Potential Cracking Issues

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered inspections of hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets after discovering potential cracking in the aircraft's body. The directive affects approximately 471 U.S.-registered planes, including the 737 Max 8, 9, and 8-200 models.

The issue was first identified on certain 737 Next Generation aircraft, but since they share a similar design and manufacturing process with the Max fleet, Boeing is extending the inspections to cover all affected jets. According to the FAA directive, airline operators must inspect the fuselage skin and perform additional checks or repairs if necessary.

Boeing has been working on addressing this issue for over six years and has already notified 737 Next Generation operators about the problem in 2019. The FAA mandated inspections for those aircraft in 2021, and now they are extending that requirement to the Max fleet as well.