Hundreds of Boeing 737s ordered to be inspected for possible cracks by FAA

• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated inspections for hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX jets due to concerns about possible cracks.
• Airlines are required to visually inspect a structural support component known as a “bear strap” located near the front service door.
• The directive impacts 471 U.S.-registered Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and 1,429 worldwide, stemming from cracks found in older Boeing models.
• This order follows the FAA's recent decision to restore Boeing's authority to perform final safety sign-offs, a responsibility previously revoked after the 737 MAX crisis. Boeing stated that while the issue has not been observed on the 737 MAX fleet, inspections were extended due to similar design, adding to a series of recent safety concerns for the company.
• “The airworthiness directive requires visual inspections of the fuselage skin for cracks and make repairs as needed,” the FAA told The Independent in a statement, noting that it proposed new safety rules in November 2025 related to the issue.

IN FULL

FAA orders inspections of nearly 500 Boeing jets for possible cracks