In this Feb. 5, 2018, file photo, a dual-tipped wing tip, known as a “winglet,” stands in view of the tail of a Boeing 737 MAX 7, the newest version of Boeing’s fastest-selling airplane, while displayed during a debut for employees and media of the new jet in Renton, Wash. Boeing is asking airlines to inspect its 737 Max jets for a potential loose bolt in the rudder control system, the airplane maker and Federal Aviation Administration confirmed this week, Friday, Dec. 29, 2023.
| Photo Credit: AP
Boeing has recommended airlines to conduct an inspection of their B737 Max fleet, after an international operator discovered a bolt with a missing nut while performing routine maintenance.
In a statement on December 29, Boeing said the issue identified on the particular airplane has been remedied.
In India, three airlines — Akasa Air, SpiceJet and Air India Express — have B737 Max planes in their fleet.
Earlier on December 28, the U.S. aviation regulator, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a statement, saying it was closely monitoring “targetted inspection,” of Boeing 737 Max planes for a possible loose bolt in the rudder control system.
“The issue identified on the particular airplane has been remedied. Out of an abundance of caution, we are recommending operators inspect their 737 MAX airplanes and inform us of any findings,” Boeing said in the statement.
The aircraft maker said it has informed the FAA and will continue to keep the regulator aware of the progress.
Queries sent to SpiceJet and Air India Express remained unanswered while Akasa Air said that the issue has not impacted both its operating fleet and the aircraft deliveries so far.
“We have been made aware of this issue by Boeing. Like all operators around the world, and in accordance with our highest standards of safety, Akasa will be following the same checks and procedures that the manufacturer or regulator recommends,” an Akasa Air spokesperson said in a statement on December 30.
The airline further added, “our operating fleet and deliveries are not impacted so far.”
Under consultation with it, the FAA in its Thursday statement said, Boeing has issued a Multi-Operator Message (MOM), urging operators of newer single-aisle airplanes to inspect specific tie rods that control rudder movement for possible loose hardware.
The FAA will remain in contact with Boeing and the airlines while the inspections are underway, the regulator said.
The agency is asking the airlines to work through their approved Safety Management Systems to identify whether any loose hardware has been detected previously and to provide the agency with details on how quickly these two-hour inspections can be completed.
The FAA also said it will consider additional action based on any further discovery of loose or missing hardware.
Boeing, according to the FAA, recommended the inspections after an international operator discovered a bolt with a missing nut while performing routine maintenance on a mechanism in the rudder-control linkage.
The company discovered an additional undelivered aircraft with a nut that was not properly tightened, it said.
