The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated thorough inspections for hundreds of Boeing aircraft following concerns about potential cracks in certain older models. Announced on Thursday, the finalized rule is set to take effect on September 10. It affects certain aircraft under three Boeing 737 Max models: the 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200.
The FAA estimates that the directive applies to 471 planes. This measure seeks to address an unsafe condition reported previously. Although no cracks have been discovered in these specific Max models, the FAA’s November proposal identified reports of cracks in a forward bear strap on older 737 ‘Next-Generation’ planes. Bear straps are metal sheets used to reinforce areas like doorways and emergency exits.
The Max jets share a design and build process with the older models, which may make them vulnerable to similar crack conditions. The FAA warned that this could jeopardize the structural integrity of the aircraft if unaddressed. Boeing acknowledged the issue, which it identified and reported to operators over the past six years.
Boeing provided inspection instructions for the affected 737 Next Generation models in 2019, and these checks were enforced by the FAA in 2021. The company has already expanded this inspection process to include Max jets, and the FAA’s latest directive mandates this continuation. Boeing expressed support for these directives, emphasizing its commitment to assisting airline customers.
Additionally, the FAA’s directive requires inspections of the fuselage skin on planes with existing repairs. Boeing has faced a series of safety, quality, and production challenges, notably following two fatal crashes of the Max 8 model in 2018 and 2019 that resulted in 346 fatalities, and a 2024 incident involving an Alaska Airlines Max 9 plane.
In a recent development, the FAA announced that Boeing would once again oversee the certification process for all its 737 Max and 787 planes.
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