FAA Orders Inspections of Nearly 500 Boeing Jets Over Possible Structural Cracks
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered inspections of nearly 500 Boeing jets after discovering possible cracks in a structural support. The directive applies to 471 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft registered in the U.S., including the 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 models.
The FAA warned that regulators are asking airlines to check for cracks in a support piece known as a bear strap near the front service door by the galley. The inspections will require visual checks of the fuselage skin for any signs of cracking.
Boeing has been working with airlines to address the issue since it first identified it six years ago. The company stated that this issue has not been observed on the 737 MAX fleet, but they extended the inspections to cover these models due to their similar design and build process.
The latest inspection order comes after Boeing's authority to conduct final safety signoffs was reinstated by the FAA last month. This reversal of a restriction imposed after the 737 MAX crisis allowed Boeing to regain some of its autonomy in the certification process.