Boeing Provides Instructions for Inspecting Grounded 737 Max 9 Jets
Boeing has issued instructions to airlines on how to inspect their 737 Max 9 jetliners, a significant step towards ending the grounding of these planes. The instructions were outlined in an internal message from company executives. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had ordered airlines to halt the operation of dozens of these jets after a door plug blew open during an Alaska Airlines flight at 16,000 feet.
Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported during the incident on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, which was en route to Ontario, California. The plane was forced to return to Portland, Oregon shortly after takeoff due to the blown door plug. The duration of the inspections required by the instructions remains unclear.
Boeing’s commercial airplanes president and CEO, Stan Deal, along with its chief aerospace safety officer and senior vice president of global aerospace safety, Mike Delaney, stated in the internal message that their teams have been diligently working with the FAA to provide comprehensive instructions for the required inspections. These instructions were issued via a multi-operator message.
There are currently over 200 737 Max 9 aircraft in fleets worldwide, with United Airlines operating 79 and Alaska Airlines operating 65. The remaining planes are distributed among other airlines. The FAA emphasized that the safety of passengers is their top priority and stated that the grounded Boeing 737-9 aircraft will remain out of service until operators complete enhanced inspections of the left and right cabin door exit plugs, door components, and fasteners. Operators must also take corrective action based on inspection findings before returning any aircraft to service.
In conclusion, Boeing’s provision of inspection instructions is a significant development in the process of lifting the grounding of the 737 Max 9 jets. Airlines will now be able to conduct thorough inspections and implement necessary corrective actions to ensure the safe operation of these aircraft.
