Operators of certain 737 Next Generation planes will be required to make inspections, the FAA said.
“Boeing notified the agency of the matter after it discovered the cracks while conducting modifications on a heavily used aircraft. Subsequent inspections uncovered similar cracks in a small number of additional planes. The FAA will instruct operators to conduct specific inspections, make any necessary repairs and to report their findings to the agency immediately,” the agency said.
In a statement, Boeing said the “cracking issue” was found on a small number of airplanes.
“No in-service issues have been reported,” the company said. “Over the coming days, we will work closely with our customers to implement a recommended inspection plan for certain airplanes in the fleet. This issue does not affect any 737 MAX airplanes or the P-8 Poseidon.”
The Boeing 737 NGs are the models designated 737-700, 737-800, and 737-900.