FAA Orders Inspections of 471 737 MAX Jets Amid Structural Concerns

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered mandatory inspections of 471 U.S.-registered Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for possible cracking in a structural reinforcement near the forward galley door.

This decision follows reports of cracks found on older versions of the 737, including the -600, -700, -800, and -900 models. The FAA determined that high operating stresses caused these cracks, which could potentially lead to a loss of structural integrity if left unchecked.

The inspection mandate does not automatically apply to every MAX aircraft in service but only to those identified by Boeing's technical requirements bulletin as having similar design and manufacturing processes.