Air operators are being called upon by Boeing to conduct inspections on their 737 Max planes due to a potential flaw in a critical component of their flight systems. The extensively popular aircraft produced by the company has been subjected to a number of technical problems, a few of which were contributing factors in two fatal accidents that occurred a few years ago.

The FAA announced yesterday that it is conducting focused inspections on 737 Max planes to search for any signs of a potential loose bolt in the rudder control system. This system plays a crucial role in stabilizing the aircraft during flight.

Boeing advised conducting inspections based on the discovery of a bolt without a nut during regular maintenance by an unidentified international operator. Subsequently, the company identified another aircraft, which had not yet entered into service, with a nut that was not adequately tightened.

Boeing’s representative informed that the problem on the specific aircraft has been resolved, and they are currently carrying out inspections as a precautionary measure. The company stated that no in-service incidents have occurred due to the potential flaw, and flight crews have been conducting rudder checks. The inspection procedure involves removing an access panel and visually examining the rudder, taking approximately two hours per aircraft.

The FAA announced that it intends to stay in touch with Boeing and airlines during the inspections. Furthermore, it mentioned that it will take into account any additional findings of loose or missing hardware when considering whether to take further action.

The Boeing 737 Max aircraft , introduced in 2016 and manufactured in large quantities, has faced significant technical problems. Following the fatal crashes in Ethiopia (2019) and Indonesia (2018) that claimed the lives of 346 individuals, the aircraft was grounded for a period of 20 months. In 2019, the company acknowledged the involvement of its automatic flight control system in these two tragic incidents.

Following the FAA’s approval for the return of the 737 Max, Boeing revealed in April that it had identified a manufacturing problem impacting a considerable quantity of undelivered aircraft. This issue arose when a particular operator employed a non-standard manufacturing method during the installation of fittings in the rear fuselage. However, Boeing clarified that this problem did not pose an immediate safety concern for flights.