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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
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.
2025-04846, Extension of the Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya
The FAA is extending the ban on certain flights over Libya for three more years, until March 20, 2028. This affects U.S. airlines, commercial operators, and pilots with FAA certificates flying in Libyan airspace, due to ongoing safety risks. The rule also reminds everyone how to apply for special approvals or exemptions if needed.
2025-03853, Enforcement Policy Regarding “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States; Correction”
The FAA is giving repair stations outside the U.S. a break by delaying enforcement of new drug and alcohol testing rules until March 20, 2025. This means affected repair stations don’t have to worry about penalties if they aren’t fully following the updated rules just yet. The delay helps everyone get ready without rushing or extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21093, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
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!
Next: 2025-21198, Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Wishkah River, Aberdeen, WA
The Coast Guard plans to temporarily keep the Wishkah Street Bridge in Aberdeen, WA, closed to boats from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027, so the Washington State Department of Transportation can fix and upgrade it. This change mostly affects boaters who use the Wishkah River, but since the bridge rarely opens, the impact should be small. The public can share their thoughts by January 12, 2026.