Boeing, the airplane maker, is urging all airlines to inspect their 737 MAX airplanes for a “possible loose bolt” in the rudder control system. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a statement on Thursday saying they were “closely monitoring” inspections.
“Under consultation with the FAA, 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 said in their statement.
“Boeing 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 FAA wrote. An airplane’s rudder helps control and stabilize an aircraft while it’s in flight.
The inspections will take about two hours per plane, said Boeing. At least 1,370 planes that are in service across the world will be inspected for the loose bolt.
“The issue identified on the particular airplane has been remedied,” a Boeing spokesperson said in a statement. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are recommending operators inspect their 737 MAX airplanes and inform us of any findings.”
“The FAA will consider additional action based on any further discovery of loose or missing hardware,” said the FAA.
Boeing has said that they recommend airlines inspect their MAXs within two weeks. But this issue will not affect the older-model 737 Next Generation planes, they add.