Key Points:

  • The FAA has recommended operators of Boeing 737-900ER aircraft to visually inspect mid-exit door plugs following concerns about their securement.

  • This safety directive comes after the grounding of 171 Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes due to a mid-air cabin blowout involving a door plug on an Alaska Airlines jet, despite the 737-900ER not being part of the MAX fleet.

  • Airlines conducting additional inspections on the 737-900ER mid-exit door plugs have reported findings related to bolts during maintenance inspections.


FAA Calls for Vigilance on Boeing 737-900ER Door Plugs

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a recommendation for operators of Boeing 737-900ER aircraft to perform visual inspections on mid-exit door plugs. This directive, aimed at ensuring the securement of the components, follows heightened safety concerns prompted by a mid-air cabin blowout involving a door plug on an Alaska Airlines jet. It's noteworthy that the FAA had previously grounded 171 Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes on January 6 due to a similar incident, even though the 737-900ER is not part of the newer MAX fleet.

Boeing and FAA Collaboration in Response to Bolt Issues

The FAA disclosed the safety alert on Sunday, indicating that some airlines had conducted additional inspections on the 737-900ER mid-exit door plugs and identified issues with bolts during maintenance inspections. While the FAA emphasizes that the 737-900ER has a different operational history than the MAX 9, both share the same door plug design. In response, a Boeing spokesperson conveyed the company's full support for the FAA's directive and reassured their commitment to cooperating with authorities and customers in addressing the issue.

Extending Safety Measures Beyond the MAX Fleet

The Boeing 737-900ER, boasting over 11 million hours of operation and 3.9 million flight cycles, has not experienced door plug issues, as confirmed by the FAA. Despite the absence of problems with this model, the FAA is urging airlines to conduct visual inspections to confirm the securement of the mid-exit door plugs. This safety measure extends beyond the 737 MAX series, signaling a proactive approach to preemptively address potential concerns in a broader context. The 737-900 and MAX 9, both featuring a door plug or an optional extra emergency exit door, are integral to the ongoing efforts to enhance aviation safety standards.