FAA Temporarily Grounding Certain Boeing 737 MAX 9 Aircraft
WASHINGTON, USA – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced the temporary grounding of certain Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft operated by US airlines or present in US territory. This decision comes after the FAA released a statement indicating that approximately 171 planes worldwide will be affected.
The FAA’s Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) requires operators to conduct inspections on aircraft that do not meet the specified inspection cycles in the directive. These inspections, estimated to take four to eight hours per aircraft, are crucial to ensuring the safety of the aircraft.
The inspections were prompted by concerns over a possible loose bolt in the rudder control system of Boeing 737 MAX airplanes. Under consultation with the FAA, Boeing has issued a Multi-Operator Message (MOM) instructing operators to inspect specific tie rods responsible for rudder movement for any loose hardware.
While the inspections are being carried out, the FAA will maintain communication with Boeing and the airlines involved. The agency has requested that the airlines utilize their approved Safety Management Systems to determine if any loose hardware has been previously detected and to provide the FAA with information on the timeline for completing the inspections, which are expected to take approximately two hours.
The FAA’s decision to implement immediate inspections aligns with its commitment to prioritize safety, especially in light of the ongoing investigation into Alaska Airlines Flight 1282. FAA administrator Mike Whitaker emphasized that safety considerations would continue to guide decision-making.
Boeing initiated the inspections after an international operator discovered a missing nut on a bolt during routine maintenance of a mechanism in the rudder-control linkage. Subsequently, another undelivered aircraft was found to have a nut that was not properly tightened.
While awaiting the findings of the inspections, the FAA will remain vigilant and, if necessary, take further action based on any additional discoveries regarding loose or missing hardware.
It is important to note that this temporary grounding is specific to certain Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft and should not be considered a blanket restriction across all airlines and models. The FAA is committed to ensuring the safety of air travel and will work closely with Boeing and the airlines to address and rectify any potential issues.
As the situation unfolds, passengers and industry stakeholders are advised to stay informed through official updates from the FAA and the respective airlines. The FAA’s dedication to prioritizing safety underscores its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation regulation.
In conclusion, the temporary grounding of certain Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft reinforces the FAA’s unwavering commitment to passenger safety and demonstrates proactive measures to address potential issues within the industry.
