Boeing 737 MAX Planes Now Cracking Near Snack Area
Published Date: 11/25/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants Boeing 737 MAX planes checked for cracks near the front galley door to keep flights safe. Airlines must inspect and fix any cracks found, with repeated checks over time. Comments on this plan are open until January 9, 2026, and these inspections could cost some time and money but will keep passengers flying safely.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Estimated inspection costs to U.S. operators
The FAA estimates the proposed AD would affect 476 U.S.-registered airplanes. Estimated per-airplane costs: Option 1 initial inspections $2,635; Option 2 initial inspections $595; repetitive internal HFEC inspections $2,465 per inspection cycle. The FAA estimates total costs to U.S. operators of $1,254,260 for Option 1 initial inspections, $283,220 for Option 2 initial inspections, and $1,173,340 per inspection cycle for repetitive inspections.
737 MAX forward-galley inspections required
If you operate Boeing Model 737-8, 737-9, or 737-8200 (737 MAX) airplanes, the FAA would require inspections of the forward galley door cutout area for cracks and repeated inspections over time. The rule references Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1420 RB, dated February 13, 2025, and requires doing on-condition actions (repairs/replacements) when cracks are found.
On-condition repairs include stub-frame replacement
If inspections find cracks, required on-condition actions include replacing the stub frame, performing alternative inspections, or doing repairs as specified in the Boeing bulletin. The FAA states it has no way to determine how many airplanes will require those replacements.
FAA finds limited small-entity impact
The FAA certified that the proposed AD "would not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities" under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. That is the agency's determination about small-business effects of this proposal.
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