FAA Urges Inspections for Another Boeing 737 Variant

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a directive for additional inspections on certain Boeing 737-900s, urging operators to visually inspect mid-exit door plugs to ensure proper security. This recommendation comes after a recent incident on Alaska Airlines involving a Boeing 737 Max 9, which shares the same door plug design with the older 737-900ER.

The FAA’s statement noted that while the Boeing 737-900ER is not part of the newer Max fleet, it has the same door plug design. The agency is prioritizing safety with this directive, emphasizing the importance of inspecting mid-exit door plugs for secure installations.

On January 5, an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 experienced a midcabin exit door plug separation during flight. Although the plane landed safely without injuries, the FAA promptly grounded the entire fleet of Max 9 aircraft for inspections of the door plugs. Preliminary inspections revealed issues with the installation quality on multiple planes, leading to increased oversight of Boeing’s production lines.

The latest FAA directive applies specifically to Boeing 737-900ERs, representing an earlier generation of planes known as the “Next Generation” era of the 737 line. These aircraft, delivered between 2007 and 2020, share the same mid-exit door plug design as the newer Max models. While there have been no major incidents reported with the midcabin door plug on the 737-900ER during its service life, the FAA is taking proactive measures to ensure safety.

According to data from Planespotters.net, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines are the only U.S. operators of the 737-900ER, with 158, 125, and 76 aircraft in service, respectively. The FAA’s directive aims to prevent potential issues with the mid-exit door plug, maintaining the safety and reliability of Boeing’s 737-900ER fleet.

For operators of the 737-900ER, the FAA’s recommendation includes a visual inspection of the mid-exit door plugs to verify proper security. This added layer of safety measures is designed to address any concerns related to the door plug design and installation. The FAA’s focus on inspections and oversight underscores the commitment to ensuring the continued airworthiness of Boeing’s aircraft.

As the aviation industry prioritizes safety and preventive measures, regulatory authorities such as the FAA play a crucial role in addressing potential issues and implementing directives to maintain the integrity of commercial aircraft. The recent incident involving the Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 has prompted a thorough examination of similar door plug configurations across different Boeing models, emphasizing the importance of proactive safety measures in the aviation sector.