What's Happening?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is preparing to issue a directive requiring mandatory inspections of Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG) aircraft due to concerns over 'excessive freeplay' in horizontal
stabilizer components. This issue, which involves looseness in the stabilizer pivot hinges and jackscrew, has been linked to pitch control problems during flight. The FAA's draft rule, set for publication on January 9, mandates inspections to determine the freeplay value and requires the replacement of worn parts. Boeing had previously alerted operators to this issue in a June 2025 service bulletin, recommending an inspection protocol. The FAA's directive is based on this bulletin and is expected to apply to approximately 1,987 U.S.-registered aircraft.
Why It's Important?
The FAA's decision to mandate inspections for the Boeing 737NG is significant for both safety and operational reasons. Ensuring the airworthiness of these aircraft is crucial to maintaining public confidence in air travel safety. The directive highlights the importance of regular maintenance and inspections in preventing potential in-flight incidents. For airlines operating the 737NG, compliance with the FAA's directive will involve logistical and financial considerations, as they will need to schedule inspections and potentially replace parts. This could impact flight schedules and operational costs. The directive also underscores the FAA's role in regulating and ensuring the safety of the aviation industry.
What's Next?
Following the publication of the FAA's directive, airlines operating the Boeing 737NG will need to implement the required inspections and make necessary repairs. The timeline for compliance and the specific details of the inspection process will be guided by Boeing's service bulletin. Airlines will need to coordinate with maintenance facilities to ensure timely inspections and minimize disruptions to their operations. The FAA will likely monitor compliance and may issue further guidance or updates as necessary. The aviation industry will be watching closely to see how this directive impacts airline operations and whether similar issues arise with other aircraft models.
