Unsafe Condition Must Be Corrected Before MAX 9s Take Flight

The FAA has clarified its interim Airworthiness Directive in the case of the Boeing 737 MAX 9, mandating that all affected aircraft must be inspected and corrected "using a method approved by the manager".

The AD builds on the agency's previous work, saying "The FAA issued Emergency AD 2024–02–51, dated January 6, 2024 (Emergency AD 2024–02–51), to address an unsafe condition on certain The Boeing Company Model 737–9 airplanes. The FAA sent the emergency AD to all known U.S. owners and operators of these airplanes. Emergency AD 2024–02–51 prohibits further flight until the airplane is inspected and all applicable corrective actions have been performed."

"Emergency AD 2024–02–51 was prompted by a report of an in-flight departure of a mid cabin door plug, which resulted in a rapid decompression of the airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the potential in-flight loss of a mid cabin door plug. This condition, if not addressed, could result in injury to passengers and crew, the door impacting the airplane, and/or loss of control of the airplane."

"This AD prohibits further flight of affected airplanes, until the airplane is inspected and all applicable corrective actions have been performed using a method approved by the Manager, AIR–520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA."

FMI: www.faa.gov