Boeing has warned airline operators to inspect certain 737 MAX planes after reports of a loose bolt were found in the plane’s airframe.
The Boeing Company issued a service bulletin, which recommends that airlines inspect the bolt in the stabilizer trim system of their 737 MAX planes. The bolt helps control the trim system, which helps optimize an aircraft’s performance.
The bulletin was issued after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported the discovery of a loose bolt in a 737 MAX airplane. This is not the first time Boeing issued a service bulletin related to its 737 MAX. The company had previously issued another one related to the flight control system a few months ago.
The FAA and some of its international counterparts, including the Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), have recommended that airlines inspect 737 MAX planes for any loose bolts. The FAA has urged carriers to complete these inspections by April 19.
The possible presence of a loose bolt in the 737 MAX aircraft comes as a major setback for Boeing, which is already trying to regain trust and customer confidence after the company’s 737 MAX fleet was grounded for more than a year due to safety concerns. The search for a possible loose bolt is expected to cost Boeing millions of dollars in damages, but the company believes that it will help them towards restoring customer confidence in their aircrafts.
The need for regular inspections will help maintain the safety of air travel and stability of the aircrafts. Airlines operating the Boeing 737 MAX aircrafts must be extra vigilant while inspecting their planes for any potential problems. If the inspections reveal a loose bolt, then it should be replaced immediately with a new one, to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
