The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated inspections for Boeing 737 Max airplanes to check for potential structural cracks in a component of the fuselage. This directive will impact an estimated 471 aircraft, with inspections scheduled to commence in September. The focus of these checks is on the bear strap, a structural sheet that supports the fuselage around the exit doors. This move comes after similar cracks were found in older models of Boeing 737 Next Generation planes, which led to inspections there as well.
Currently, no cracks have been reported in the 737 Max fleet. However, the FAA has noted that the aircraft shares a similar design and manufacturing process with the older models, raising the possibility of encountering the same issue. The regulator has cautioned that if such cracks go undetected, they could compromise the structural integrity of the airplane.
Boeing has been collaborating with airlines on this issue since its identification in 2019 and is in favor of the mandatory inspections. The company has stated that these checks aim to identify and address any problems before they escalate to critical levels. Boeing’s efforts reflect a proactive approach to ensure safety across its fleet.
This development adds to the ongoing scrutiny of the Boeing 737 Max, which has faced intense examination following previous safety issues, including two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 that led to the aircraft type being grounded worldwide. These incidents have brought attention to concerns over the manufacturing and engineering quality of the 737 Max.