FAA Steps Up Scrutiny Of Boeing 737 Planes
103 weeks ago
More trouble for Boeing after U.S. watchdogs warned airlines late Sunday to check for loose parts on another model.
The recommendation comes after some operators of the 737-900ER reported unspecified issues with bolts during inspections.
It has the same optional door plug design as the newer 737 MAX 9 — the model used by Alaska Airlines when it suffered a mid-air blowout earlier this month.
That led to the Federal Aviation Administration grounding 171 MAX 9 planes for safety checks.
In an alert about the 737-900ER, the FAA said some airlines "noted findings with bolts" during additional maintenance checks.
It recommended air carriers operating that model inspect their planes—specifically the four bolts used to secure the door plug to the airframe—"as soon as possible."
However, it added that the door plug "has not been an issue with this model."
A Boeing spokesperson said in an email: "we fully support the FAA and our customers in this action."
Boeing first delivered the 737-900ER in 2007 and the last one in 2019.
As for the MAX 9, the FAA said on Sunday, the jets will remain grounded until it "is satisfied they are safe to return to service."
The recommendation comes after some operators of the 737-900ER reported unspecified issues with bolts during inspections.
It has the same optional door plug design as the newer 737 MAX 9 — the model used by Alaska Airlines when it suffered a mid-air blowout earlier this month.
That led to the Federal Aviation Administration grounding 171 MAX 9 planes for safety checks.
In an alert about the 737-900ER, the FAA said some airlines "noted findings with bolts" during additional maintenance checks.
It recommended air carriers operating that model inspect their planes—specifically the four bolts used to secure the door plug to the airframe—"as soon as possible."
However, it added that the door plug "has not been an issue with this model."
A Boeing spokesperson said in an email: "we fully support the FAA and our customers in this action."
Boeing first delivered the 737-900ER in 2007 and the last one in 2019.
As for the MAX 9, the FAA said on Sunday, the jets will remain grounded until it "is satisfied they are safe to return to service."
