The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed a new airworthiness directive requiring mandatory inspections for Boeing 737 MAX 8, MAX 9, and 737-8200 aircraft.
The directive follows the discovery of incorrectly installed bearings in the elevator buss assembly. These critical flight control components may have been installed without the required sealant during production.
This manufacturing flaw could cause cracks and premature component failure. Such failures potentially compromise pitch control and the ability to maintain safe flight and landing.
The proposed rule initially impacts an estimated 95 U.S.-registered aircraft. It is currently open for public comment.
This action adds further scrutiny to Boeing's production as it attempts to stabilize output and certify new MAX variants. It follows several recent FAA directives targeting the 737 MAX fleet.