The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated inspections for Boeing 737 Max aircraft to identify potential cracks in a crucial fuselage component. This directive impacts around 471 planes and is slated to commence in September. The focus of these inspections is the bear strap, a structural element that provides support around exit doors. Previously, similar cracks were detected in older Boeing 737 Next Generation models, which led to inspections of those aircraft as well.
While no cracks have been reported in the 737 Max series, regulators have noted that the aircraft’s similar design and manufacturing processes to the Next Generation models could lead to the development of the same issues. The FAA emphasized that undetected cracks might compromise a significant structural element, thereby posing risks to the plane’s overall structural integrity.
Boeing has acknowledged the issue and has been collaborating with airlines to address it since it was identified in 2019. The company is in favor of the mandatory inspections, asserting that these checks are crucial for detecting and fixing any problems before they escalate to critical levels.
This latest round of inspections adds to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the 737 Max series, which has faced significant challenges following past safety issues. The aircraft type was previously grounded globally after two tragic crashes in 2018 and 2019, raising concerns about its manufacturing and engineering standards.