FAA Orders Inspections Of 471 Boeing 737 MAX Jets Over Crack Risk

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered inspections of 471 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft after concerns over cracks in structural supports near the forward galley service door.

The directive, effective September 10, 2026, covers the 737-8, 737-9 and 737-8200 models. Operators will have to inspect the fuselage skin and carry out repairs if cracks are detected. The FAA said cracks could affect the aircraft’s structural integrity if they spread. The regulator has not ordered the aircraft to be grounded, as the inspection schedule is designed to identify cracks before they reach a level that could affect structural strength.

The initial visual inspection is expected to take about one hour and cost around USD 85 per aircraft. Follow-up visual and eddy-current inspections could take up to four hours and cost as much as USD 340 per aircraft per inspection cycle.

Boeing said the inspections follow checks conducted on 737 Next Generation aircraft and are linked to similarities in design and manufacturing processes.