FAA Orders Inspections of 471 Boeing 737 Max Jets for Structural Cracks
The Federal Aviation Administration has mandated safety inspections of hundreds of Boeing 737 Max aircraft to check for cracks near aircraft doors. The directive, effective September 10, applies to 471 U.S.-registered planes following earlier reports of structural issues on older Boeing models.
Safety Checks for Travelers
The Federal Aviation Administration 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. The new airworthiness directive applies to an estimated 471 US-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. Bear straps are metal sheets that reinforce areas on planes like doorways and emergency exits.
The FAA has not grounded the aircraft. 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.
What This Means for You
If you fly domestically within the United States, this order applies to the most common aircraft on major carriers. Southwest Airlines, which is one of the primary operators of 737 jets in the U.S., told CBS News in a statement that it was "reviewing" the FAA's airworthiness directive and "will accomplish the inspections on the affected airplanes according to the schedule specified by the FAA." Airlines will conduct inspections on their own maintenance schedules, so you may not notice any flight disruptions. However, if you have flights booked on these aircraft models between now and September 10, airlines will prioritize inspections during regular maintenance windows. This is a precaution, not an emergency—the FAA's approach ensures safety is maintained while minimizing service interruptions.
Sources
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