FAA directive orders inspection of hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets
The US Federal Aviation Administration has ordered inspections of hundreds of Boeing 737 Max aircraft after cracks were reported in a structural component on older 737 models. The measure is intended to identify any similar weakness before it can affect the aircraft’s structural integrity, adding to scrutiny of Boeing’s safety and production practices.
The directive applies to an estimated 471 US-registered 737 Max 8, Max 9 and 737-8200 aircraft, and takes effect on 10 September. No cracks have been found on the affected Max models so far; the concern arose because their design and manufacturing process are similar to those of older 737 Next Generation aircraft where cracking was reported.
In short
- FAA orders crack inspections for 471 Boeing 737 Max jets.
- No cracks have yet been found on affected Max aircraft.
- Checks begin on 10 September.
Explained simply
The 737 is a long-running family of passenger aircraft made by the US company Boeing. The 737 Next Generation models came before the 737 Max; the Max 8, Max 9 and 737-8200 are among the newer versions.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the US agency responsible for civil aviation safety. It can require airlines to inspect aircraft when a possible safety issue is identified. In this case, reports of cracks in a structural part on older 737s have prompted checks of newer Max models that share aspects of their design and manufacture.
No cracks have been reported on the affected Max models so far. The inspections matter because structural damage can affect an aircraft’s ability to remain safe in service, and Boeing’s safety and production practices have faced scrutiny.