The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a directive for airlines operating Boeing 737 Max jets to conduct inspections on the aircraft’s fuselage for potential cracks. These inspections, set to commence in September, will impact an estimated 471 planes. The focus of the examination is a structural component known as the bear strap, which reinforces the fuselage around the exit doors. This action follows the discovery of similar cracks in older Boeing 737 Next Generation models.
Though no cracks have been reported in the 737 Max fleet as of yet, the FAA cautioned that the similar design and manufacturing processes between the two series could result in the emergence of the same issue in the Max models. The regulator emphasized that undetected cracks pose a risk to the aircraft’s structural integrity, stressing the importance of these preventive inspections.
Boeing, which has been collaborating with airlines on this issue since it was first identified in 2019, expressed its support for the mandatory inspections. The company clarified that these checks aim to detect and address any problems before they become critical, ensuring the continued safety and reliability of the aircraft.
This new directive adds another layer of scrutiny to the 737 Max, which has been under the spotlight due to previous safety incidents and concerns regarding its manufacturing and engineering quality. The aircraft model was globally grounded after two tragic crashes in 2018 and 2019, prompting heightened attention to its safety protocols.