Boeing 737 MAX Planes Now Cracking Around Kitchen Doors
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 will need to inspect and fix any problems found, helping prevent bigger issues down the line. Comments on this plan are open until January 9, 2026, so the clock’s ticking for feedback and future fixes!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Inspections Required for 737 MAX
If you operate Boeing Model 737-8, 737-9, or 737-8200 airplanes, the FAA proposes required inspections of the fuselage skin and bear strap at the forward galley door cutout per Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1408 RB, dated December 20, 2024. The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 471 U.S.-registered airplanes and lists inspection labor costs of $85 per airplane for a general visual inspection and up to $340 per airplane per inspection cycle for detailed and eddy-current inspections; on-condition repair costs are not estimated.
Safety Checks To Prevent Structural Cracks
The FAA proposes these inspections because cracks were reported in similar 737 models and the same design could exist on 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 airplanes; the AD would require inspections (including repetitive HFEC and LFEC checks and detailed inspections) and repairs to address cracking that could affect structural integrity. The goal is to find and fix cracks in the bear strap at the forward upper corner of the forward galley door cutout to help prevent a principal structural element from failing under limit loads.
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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.