Along with the Boeing 737 MAX-9, the Federal Aviation Administration is now requiring airways to visually examine the door stoppers on a extra generally used plane: the 737-900ER.
One other Boeing airplane is beneath new scrutiny resulting from issues with the 737 MAX-9 door stopper.
The FAA now requires 737-900ER operators to visually examine the door plug meeting earlier than flight.
Safety alert comes after ‘bolt discoveries’
Whereas a Boeing 737 MAX-9 stays grounded after a mid-cabin door plug was ejected from an Alaska Airways flight, the airframe kind remained grounded for additional inspection and to handle future points. Nonetheless, the screws may additionally have an effect on the older “subsequent era” 737-900ER.
In a Security Alert for Operators (SAFO), the FAA encourages 737-900ER operators to “conduct a visible inspection to make sure that the door plug is restrained from any motion by the 2 higher information bolts and the 2 decrease lead bolts.” The advice comes after the company stated some airways found issues after the Alaska Airways incident.
“Boeing 737-900ER heart exit door plugs have an an identical door plug design to the 737-9 MAX,” in response to SAFO. “As a part of their security administration programs, some operators have carried out further inspections of the 737-900ER center exit door plugs and have famous findings with latches throughout upkeep inspections.”
Over 500 737-900ER plane have been delivered worldwide, and three US-based airways retain it of their fleets. Delta Air Traces has greater than 160,737,900-ER constructions; United Airways has just below 150; and Alaska Airways has about 90.
The advice is inconsistent with full grounding and the Emergency Airworthiness Directive for that matter. Boeing has not launched a press release concerning the new SAFO.
Comply with the continuing points with the Boeing 737 MAX-9 and the way it impacts Alaska Airways and different carriers on the FlyerTalk boards.