Operators of Boeing 737 Max Need a Bolt Check

Boeing has urged all airlines that fly the 737 Max to inspect their rudder-control system for a possible loose bolt.

Monday, January 01, 2024 at 02:25 PM ET

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Boeing is recommending that 737 Max operators inspect their aircraft "out of an abundance of caution.” [Credit: Matthew Thompson/Boeing]

Key Takeaways:

Boeing has urged all airlines operating the 737 Max to inspect their rudder-control systems for a possible loose bolt.
This recommendation was prompted by an international airline discovering a missing nut during maintenance and a similar issue found on an undelivered aircraft.
The FAA is closely monitoring these targeted inspections, which Boeing described as an "abundance of caution" measure, as no in-service incidents have been reported.

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Boeing has urged all airlines that fly the 737 Max to inspect their rudder-control system for a possible loose bolt. According to the Seattle Times, last week an unnamed international airline discovered a bolt missing a nut while performing routine maintenance. This was reported to the FAA, which in turn released a statement that it was “closely monitoring targeted inspections of 737 Max aircraft to look for a possible loose bolt in the rudder control system.”

The statement continued that under consultation with the FAA, “Boeing had 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.”