Federal Aviation Administration Archives

Washington, United States: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has ordered operators of 471 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to inspect structural components around the forward galley-door area for possible cracking, citing a condition previously identified on older 737 Next Generation jets. The finalized airworthiness directive was unveiled on August 6, 2026 and will take effect on September 10, 2026. It applies to certain in-service Boeing 737-8, 737-9 and 737-8200 aircraft, according to the FAA. The agency estimates that 471 aircraft are affected. The inspections focus on the fuselage skin, bear strap and stub frame around the forward galley-door cutout. A bear strap is a metal structural component that reinforces areas of the fuselage around openings such as doors and emergency exits. The FAA said cracking, if left unaddressed, could eventually affect the aircraft's structural integrity. Importantly, the FAA said no cracks have so far been reported in the corresponding areas of the affected 737 MAX models. The directive follows reports of cracks on several 737NG aircraft. According to the FAA's November 2025 proposal, cracks had been found in the bear strap and stub frame around the forward galley-door cutout. Boeing's investigation found surface scratches on the bear strap that were inadvertently created during the removal of sealant and adhesive in the hot-bonding process used to join the fuselage skin and bear strap. Those scratches, combined with locally elevated stresses, can reduce fatigue life and contribute to early cracking. The FAA determined that the MAX should also be inspected because the newer aircraft have a similar design and build process to the 737NG, making them susceptible to the same type of cracking. The agency warned that, if the condition developed and was not detected, it could adversely affect the aircraft's structural integrity. Boeing said it identified and reported the issue previously and has been working with airline operators on it for about six years. The company said it provided inspection instructions for affected 737NG aircraft to operators in 2019, before the FAA mandated inspections on those aircraft in 2021. Boeing has since expanded the inspection process to MAX aircraft, with the latest FAA directive making those checks mandatory. “We support both directives and continue to support our airline customers,” Boeing said in a statement. The company also said it has conducted an engineering analysis and is working on changes intended to prevent the cracking from occurring in future aircraft. The FAA's directive also calls for inspection of fuselage skin on aircraft where repairs have already been made. The agency's regulatory record says the required inspections include checks for cracks in the fuselage skin, bear strap and stub frame, along with repetitive inspections and corrective action where necessary. The action adds another structural inspection requirement to the 737 family after the FAA previously ordered inspections of 737NG aircraft over the same general cracking concern. The development also comes as Boeing remains under heightened regulatory scrutiny following years of safety and production issues involving the 737 MAX.

FAA Orders 471 Boeing 737 MAX Jets To Undergo Crack Inspections Over Structural Risks

Aviation Today News Desk / August 14, 2026

Washington, United States: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has ordered operators of 471 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to inspect structural […]

Investigation

NTSB Final Report Cites Pilot Error, Icing And FAA Failures In Fatal Bering Air Crash

Aviation Today News Desk / July 31, 2026

Alaska, United States: The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final investigation report into the fatal crash

Washington, United States: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on July 27, 2026, proposed inspections of passenger seat assemblies on 453 U.S.-registered Boeing 737 MAX aircraft after receiving a report that some seats may not have been correctly installed in their floor tracks. The proposed Airworthiness Directive (AD) applies to certain Boeing 737-8, 737-9 and 737-8200 aircraft. According to the FAA, the issue involves track-mounted passenger seat assemblies whose aft fitting shear plungers may not have been correctly lowered and engaged in the seat tracks. The regulator said an incorrectly installed seat assembly could disengage from the seat tracks under increased loads, during turbulence or in an emergency landing. The FAA warned that, if the condition is not corrected, it could result in injuries to passengers or crew during an emergency landing or block an aisle and slow an evacuation. The FAA said the proposed directive would require operators to conduct a detailed inspection of the seat-track fittings on each left- and right-side track-mounted passenger seat assembly to verify that they are correctly installed. Any required corrective action would also have to be carried out. "There could be up to 69 track-mounted passenger seat assemblies on each 737 MAX plane," according to details cited in the FAA proposal. The agency estimates one work-hour for the required action per affected seat assembly, with the inspection and corrective work expected to cost operators about $85 per seat assembly. The FAA estimates the total inspection cost for U.S. operators at up to $2.66 million, while Boeing has indicated that some or all costs associated with the proposed AD may be covered under warranty. The FAA's proposed rule was prompted by Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1927 RB, dated December 10, 2025. Boeing had previously provided guidance to operators on the issue, and the FAA is now proposing to make the required inspections and corrective actions mandatory. The agency said it had determined that the unsafe condition identified in the report is likely to exist or develop on other aircraft of the same type design. The proposal does not currently indicate that all 453 aircraft have incorrectly installed seats. Instead, the FAA is proposing inspections to determine whether the seat assemblies are correctly secured and to require corrective action where necessary. The FAA has set September 10, 2026, as the deadline for public comments on the proposed directive. The agency will consider comments before deciding whether to issue a final Airworthiness Directive. The FAA proposal itself does not identify a specific accident or injury linked to the seat installation issue. Rather, the regulator is acting on the potential safety risk posed by a seat assembly becoming disengaged from its track during high-load conditions. The development comes as the FAA continues heightened oversight of Boeing's production and quality-control processes. On July 17, 2026, the agency announced that Boeing would be allowed to resume issuing airworthiness certificates for all newly produced 737 MAX and 787 aircraft from July 20, following months of FAA review of production quality data. The latest seat-track proposal is therefore another regulatory action focused on ensuring that aircraft meet approved design and safety requirements, but it does not amount to a grounding order or an immediate suspension of 737 MAX operations.

Boeing

FAA Proposes Seat Inspections For 453 Boeing 737 MAX Jets Over Installation Issue

Aviation Today News Desk / July 28, 2026

Washington, United States: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on July 27, 2026, proposed inspections of passenger seat assemblies on

Boeing

FAA Allows Boeing To Resume Airworthiness Certification For 737 MAX And 787 Aircraft

Aviation Today News Desk / July 20, 2026

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will allow Boeing to resume issuing airworthiness certificates for all newly built 737 MAX

United Airlines

Mercury 13 Pioneer And Oldest Woman To Fly To Space Wally Funk Dies At 87

Aviation Today News Desk / July 11, 2026

Texas, United States: Trailblazing American aviator Wally Funk, whose lifelong pursuit of spaceflight made her a symbol of perseverance for

A Delta Air Lines Airbus A319 carrying 52 passengers and six crew members landed safely at Chicago Midway International Airport after the crew reported an apparent firework strike during final approach on July 4. While descending through about 200–250 feet, the pilots heard a "big bang" and believed a firework had struck or exploded beneath the aircraft. Fireworks were launched from residential neighborhoods under the airport's approach path during Independence Day celebrations, with air traffic controllers advising that multiple similar reports had been received. The aircraft landed safely without injuries, an inspection found no damage, and the Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into the incident.

Incidents

Delta Flight Lands Safely After Crew Reports Possible Firework Strike Near Chicago

Aviation Today News Desk / July 6, 2026

Chicago, United States: A Delta Air Lines flight carrying 58 people landed safely at Chicago Midway International Airport after the

Airports

FAA Announces $16.5M Nationwide Airport Vehicle Transponder Plan After LaGuardia Crash

Aviation Today News Desk / May 15, 2026

Washington, United States: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a nationwide initiative to equip thousands of airport vehicles with

Philadelphia, United States: An American Eagle regional flight operated by PSA Airlines made an emergency diversion to Philadelphia International Airport on Wednesday morning after the crew reported a technical malfunction involving the aircraft’s nose landing gear steering system, prompting a precautionary landing. The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ200/CRJ700 regional jet, was operating a scheduled service from Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) to Portland International Jetport, Maine (PWM) when the issue occurred shortly after departure. According to aviation tracking data and official statements, the flight diverted to Philadelphia approximately 30 minutes into the journey after the crew detected abnormal hydraulic and steering behavior affecting the landing gear system. The aircraft landed safely at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) around 10:20 a.m. local time, where emergency services were placed on standby as a precaution. No injuries were reported among the approximately 65 passengers and four crew members onboard. Passengers were later accommodated on a replacement aircraft to continue their journey to Maine, reaching their destination later the same day after several hours of delay. American Airlines confirmed the incident, stating that the aircraft was removed from service for a full technical inspection following the safe landing. The airline also said that all standard safety procedures were followed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated a review into the incident to determine the cause of the hydraulic and steering malfunction. Initial reports suggest a nose gear steering system fault, a critical component used for directional control during taxiing and landing rollout. The aircraft involved is part of the Bombardier CRJ family, widely used in regional operations across North America. These aircraft rely heavily on hydraulic systems to control landing gear steering and braking systems, making any malfunction a serious safety concern requiring immediate diversion. Preliminary reports indicate there was no fire, smoke, or loss of control during the flight. The aircraft reportedly circled briefly before lining up for a controlled landing in Philadelphia under normal emergency protocols. The aircraft remains grounded for maintenance inspection, and investigators are expected to examine hydraulic systems, nose gear assemblies, and flight control computers as part of the FAA-led inquiry.

Incidents

American Eagle Diverts To Philadelphia After Mid-Air Steering Issue; FAA Investigates

Aviation Today News Desk / April 3, 2026

Philadelphia, United States: An American Eagle regional flight operated by PSA Airlines made an emergency diversion to Philadelphia International Airport

Incidents

United Jet Hits De-Icing Truck at Denver Airport; Driver Injured, Passengers Safe

Aviation Today News Desk / March 7, 2026

Denver, United States: A United Airlines aircraft preparing for departure at Denver International Airport struck a de-icing truck during ground

Incidents

Singapore Airlines Plane Clips Spirit Aircraft During Taxi At Newark, No Injuries

Aviation Today News Desk / March 5, 2026

New Jersey, United States: A Singapore Airlines aircraft clipped the tail of a Spirit Airlines jet while maneuvering on the

Federal Aviation Administration

FAA Orders 471 Boeing 737 MAX Jets To Undergo Crack Inspections Over Structural Risks

NTSB Final Report Cites Pilot Error, Icing And FAA Failures In Fatal Bering Air Crash

FAA Proposes Seat Inspections For 453 Boeing 737 MAX Jets Over Installation Issue

FAA Allows Boeing To Resume Airworthiness Certification For 737 MAX And 787 Aircraft

Mercury 13 Pioneer And Oldest Woman To Fly To Space Wally Funk Dies At 87

Delta Flight Lands Safely After Crew Reports Possible Firework Strike Near Chicago

FAA Announces $16.5M Nationwide Airport Vehicle Transponder Plan After LaGuardia Crash

American Eagle Diverts To Philadelphia After Mid-Air Steering Issue; FAA Investigates

United Jet Hits De-Icing Truck at Denver Airport; Driver Injured, Passengers Safe

Singapore Airlines Plane Clips Spirit Aircraft During Taxi At Newark, No Injuries

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