FAA Orders Fuselage Inspections on 471 Boeing 737 Max Jets

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated inspections of fuselage cracks on 471 Boeing 737 Max aircraft registered in the United States. The directive, issued on Thursday, follows concerns that undetected cracks could compromise the structural integrity of the planes, potentially affecting their ability to withstand normal operational loads. This action affects a significant portion of the U.S. fleet of the 737 Max, which has been under scrutiny since two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. The FAA's order underscores ongoing safety oversight of the aircraft model, which had been grounded for 20 months before returning to service in late 2020. The inspections are part of a broader effort to ensure the airworthiness of the 737 Max fleet. Boeing, the manufacturer, has been cooperating with regulators to address the issue. The specific nature of the cracks and the required inspection procedures have not been fully disclosed, but the FAA's action highlights the continued vigilance required for this aircraft type.