FAA Orders Inspections of 471 Boeing 737 Max Jets

The Federal Aviation Administration issued an airworthiness directive requiring inspections of approximately 471 US-registered Boeing 737 Max 8, Max 9, and Max 8-200 aircraft. The order follows the discovery of cracks in a structural reinforcement located near the forward service door on the right side of the aircraft.

While the agency did not ground the fleet, airlines must inspect the affected areas according to usage schedules and complete repairs before returning the planes to service. The directive takes effect September 10.

Boeing stated it is conducting an engineering analysis to determine the cause and is developing changes to prevent future occurrences. The FAA noted that Boeing has already modified manufacturing processes for newly built aircraft. This directive follows a period of intense scrutiny for the manufacturer, including a January 2024 incident where a door plug blew out of an Alaska Airlines jet due to missing bolts.