The Federal Aviation Administration has issued orders for inspections on numerous Boeing aircraft due to reports of cracks found in older models. The directive, finalized this week and effective September 10, pertains to specific models within the Boeing 737 Max series: the 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200, covering a total of 471 planes. While no cracks have been discovered in these Max models yet, the FAA’s decision was influenced by previous reports of cracks in the forward bear strap of older 737 Next-Generation planes.
According to the FAA, the design similarities between the Max jets and older models make the newer aircraft susceptible to the same crack issues, potentially compromising their structural integrity. Boeing acknowledged the problem and has been collaborating with airlines for the past six years to address it. The company had already issued inspection guidelines for affected Next Generation 737s in 2019, which were later mandated by the FAA in 2021. These inspection protocols have now been extended to the Max jets following the FAA’s recent directive.
Boeing expressed support for the FAA’s directives and emphasized its commitment to assisting airline operators. The FAA’s latest mandate also includes inspections of the fuselage skin on planes that have undergone previous repairs.
Boeing has faced ongoing challenges related to safety, quality, and production, especially following the tragic crashes involving the Max 8 aircraft in 2018 and 2019, as well as incidents like a panel detachment from a Max 9 plane operated by Alaska Airlines in 2024. Despite these setbacks, the FAA recently granted Boeing the authority to self-certify its 737 Max and 787 planes.
This development comes in the wake of continuous scrutiny and regulatory changes within the aviation industry.
