FAA Orders Checks on 737 Exhaust Nozzles to Avoid Engine Failures
Published Date: 3/4/2025
Rule
Summary
If you own certain Boeing 737 planes, the FAA wants you to check and fix parts on the engine’s exhaust nozzle to keep flights safe. This comes after some scary engine problems caused damage and emergency landings. You’ll need to inspect, possibly install new parts, and update maintenance plans soon, but it’s all about keeping everyone flying safely without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Inspections and Parts Installation Mandated
If you own certain Boeing 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, or -900ER airplanes, the AD requires you to inspect or check maintenance records to see if the primary exhaust nozzle has an affected part number. For affected nozzles, you must install bridge brackets onto the primary exhaust nozzle or install a serviceable primary exhaust nozzle.
Safer Flights for Certain 737s
If you fly on Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, or -900ER airplanes, this rule is meant to reduce the chance of engine-related damage that could cause loss of pressurization, emergency descents, or parts striking the fuselage or windows. The FAA says the rule addresses cracks in the primary exhaust nozzle that could lead to the nozzle departing the airplane.
Maintenance Programs Must Be Updated
Operators of the affected Boeing 737 series must revise their existing maintenance or inspection programs to add new airworthiness limitations required by this AD. This change becomes part of ongoing maintenance obligations for those airplanes.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08943 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-11875 — Petition for Exemption; Summary of Petition Received; NetJets Aviation, Inc.
NetJets Aviation, a big private jet company, asked the FAA to let them skip some usual flight rules. This could change how they operate their planes, and the public has until July 2, 2026, to share their thoughts. No money changes are mentioned yet, but this could speed up or simplify some flights for NetJets.
2026-11861 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Freer, TX
The FAA is creating new Class E airspace around Silverhorn Ranch Airport in Freer, TX, to support safer flying with new instrument flight rules. This change starts on October 29, 2026, and mainly affects pilots flying in and out of this airport. No extra costs for the public, just smoother and safer skies for everyone!
2026-11904 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Mullin, TX
The FAA is creating new Class E airspace around Smoky Bend Ranch Airport in Mullin, TX to help pilots fly safely using instruments, especially in bad weather. This change starts on October 29, 2026, and mainly affects pilots flying under instrument flight rules (IFR). No extra costs for the public, just smoother and safer skies for everyone!
2026-11792 — Modification of Class E Airspace, Omak Airport, Omak, WA
The FAA is changing the Class E airspace around Omak Airport in Washington to make flying safer and smoother for pilots using instruments. This update starts on September 3, 2026, and mainly affects pilots flying under instrument flight rules (IFR). No extra costs for the public, just better airspace management to keep flights on track!
2026-11730 — Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments
Starting June 11, 2026, the FAA is updating how pilots approach and take off from certain airports to keep flights safe and smooth. These changes affect pilots and airports by adjusting flight paths and safety rules based on new tech and obstacles. No big costs here—just smarter, safer skies for everyone flying under instrument rules!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-03395 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA is making new safety rules for Boeing 737 airplanes after some engine parts fell off and caused serious problems. Owners must replace certain fasteners, modify parts around the engine starter vent, or install a safer fan cowl, plus update their maintenance checks. These fixes need to happen soon to keep flights safe and avoid costly repairs later.
Next: 2025-03401 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
If you own or fly certain Boeing 737 models, this new rule means you need to fix or check parts on the engine’s inlet cowl to keep flights safe. The FAA wants these changes done soon to prevent engine parts from falling off and causing emergencies. Some fixes might cost money, but they’re worth it to keep everyone safe and sound in the sky.