FAA Orders Mass Inspections of Boeing 737 Max Jets Over Potential Cracking Concerns
The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered inspections of hundreds of Boeing 737 Max aircraft due to concerns about potential cracking in the fuselage. The issue was initially identified on certain 737 Next Generation planes, but since the models have similar designs and manufacturing processes, the FAA is mandating inspections for the Max fleet as well.
The airworthiness directive affects an estimated 471 U.S.-registered Boeing 737 Max 8, Max 9, and Max 8-200 aircraft. Operators will be required to inspect the fuselage skin and conduct additional inspections or repairs if necessary.
Boeing has been working with operators on this issue for six years, having first notified them of potential cracks in 2019. The FAA subsequently mandated inspections for those aircraft in 2021, and now the directive is being expanded to include the Max fleet.