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Airlines

FAA Issues Emergency Directive for Early Boeing 737 Models

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced an emergency directive that will require operators of specific early Boeing 737 models to conduct initial and repetitive electromagnetic inspections for fatigue damage. This action will initially apply to approximately 175 aircraft worldwide, with 80 of those aircraft registered in the United States. Most of the U.S.-registered aircraft are operated by Southwest Airlines. The FAA's move comes after a recent incident that raised concerns about the safety of these aircraft.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FAA will issue an emergency directive requiring initial and repetitive electromagnetic inspections for fatigue damage on specific early Boeing 737 models.
  • The directive will initially apply to approximately 175 aircraft worldwide, with 80 of those aircraft registered in the United States.
  • The majority of U.S.-registered aircraft affected are operated by Southwest Airlines.
  • The FAA has comprehensive programs in place to protect commercial aircraft from structural damage as they age.
  • The emergency directive is designed to detect cracking in a specific part of the aircraft fuselage that cannot be spotted with visual inspection.
  • Repetitive inspections will be required at regular intervals.
  • The FAA published a rule in November to address widespread fatigue damage in aging aircraft, requiring manufacturers to establish flight cycle or hour limits and incorporate them into maintenance programs.
  • The rule aims to ensure that aircraft manufacturers take proactive steps to prevent fatigue damage.
  • Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has stated that safety is the top priority and that last Friday's incident was "very serious" and may result in additional action.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 175 aircraft worldwide are affected by the emergency directive.
  • 80 of those aircraft are registered in the United States.
  • The majority of U.S.-registered aircraft affected are operated by Southwest Airlines.
  • The FAA has established a requirement for initial inspections using electromagnetic, or eddy-current, technology in specific areas of the aircraft fuselage.
  • Repetitive inspections will be required at regular intervals.
  • The recent incident that prompted the emergency directive was "very serious" and may result in additional action.

Sources:

  • Federal Aviation Administration (n.d.). FAA Issues Emergency Directive for Early Boeing 737 Models. Retrieved from [no link provided]
  • News release from the U.S. Department of Transportation (n.d.). Secretary LaHood statement on FAA action regarding Boeing 737. Retrieved from [no link provided]
  • Federal Register (2013, November). Rule to address widespread fatigue damage in aging aircraft. Retrieved from [41 CFR 60-700]

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