FAA issues update on MAX grounding
The FAA has approved a method to comply with its Boeing 737-9 emergency airworthiness directive, and it has been provided to the affected operators.
In a statement, the regulator said:…
The FAA has approved a method to comply with its Boeing 737-9 emergency airworthiness directive, and it has been provided to the affected operators.
In a statement, the regulator said: “The FAA’s priority is always keeping Americans safe. In that spirit, Boeing 737-9 aircraft will remain grounded until operators complete enhanced inspections which include both left and right cabin door exit plugs, door components, and fasteners.
“Operators must also complete corrective action requirements based on findings from the inspections prior to bringing any aircraft back into service.
“The FAA will continue to support the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation into Alaska Airlines Flight 1282. The NTSB is in charge of the investigation and will provide any updates.”
Earlier, United Airlines said its investigators had found loose bolts during inspections of its fleet of Boeing 737 MAX-9s.
The carrier said: “Since we began preliminary inspections on Saturday, we have found instances that appear to relate to installation issues in the door plug – for example, bolts that needed additional tightening.”
It follows an incident involving an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX-9 at the weekend which saw a panel blow out at 16,000 feet, causing a rapid depressurisation.
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