The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered inspections of hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets for cracks in the body of the plane, warning that undetected damage could reduce the aircraft’s structural integrity.
Inspection Details
The new airworthiness directive applies to an estimated 471 U.S.-registered Boeing 737 Max 8s, Max 9s and Max 8-200 airplanes. Cracks were found on some planes in a structural reinforcement around the forward service door on the right side of the airplane, next to the front galley, the FAA said.
Airlines must inspect the area on a schedule based on each airplane’s usage and repair any cracking before returning an affected airplane to service. Boeing has changed its manufacturing process to address the issue on newly built airplanes, the FAA said.
The FAA did not order the aircraft grounded, saying the required inspection intervals provide multiple chances to detect cracks before they could compromise the airplane’s structural integrity. The directive takes effect September 10.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
