What Happened
US Aviation Regulator Orders Inspections for Cracks in Fuselage Skin
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive requiring inspection of 471 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to check for cracks in the fuselage skin. The directive, which affects Boeing 737 MAX 8, MAX 9, and high-density 737-8200 aircraft, was prompted by reports of cracks in the bear strap located at the forward upper corner of the forward galley door cutout. The FAA estimates that the total cost to US operators will be $200,175. This development was reported by an unknown source.