Air Freight News

US FAA issues safety alert over Boeing 737 rudder issue

The Federal Aviation Administration said on Tuesday it issued a safety alert to airlines warning of the potential for limited or jammed rudder movement on certain Boeing 737 airplanes after a safety official urged the agency to take action.

The National Transportation Safety Board on Sept. 26 issued urgent safety recommendations to Boeing and the FAA after investigating the potential for rudder issues in some 737 airplanes, which prompted the FAA to convene a corrective action review board.

The NTSB recommendation came as they investigate a February incident involving a United Airlines flight.

The safety alert directs pilots and airline operators to review Boeing's procedure for responding to a jammed rudder but does not require airlines to replace the parts that can stick.

Last week, the NTSB said more than 40 foreign operators of Boeing 737 airplanes may be using 737 or 737 Next Generation planes with rudder components that could pose safety risks.

The FAA said the alert provides information on an existing automated check of the rudder system "that would identify limited or jammed rudder movement during approach prior to landing" and said airlines should warn pilots the rudder "could potentially become jammed or restricted in flight or during landing due to moisture that could accumulate and freeze."

The NTSB said 271 impacted parts may be installed on aircraft in service operated by at least 40 foreign air carriers and 16 may still be installed on U.S.-registered aircraft and up to 75 may have been used in aftermarket installation.

Boeing earlier informed affected 737 operators of a "potential condition with the rudder rollout guidance actuator" in August, in what is known as a Multi Operator Message.

Boeing said Tuesday it continues to work under the oversight of regulators and has "reminded operators of the proper actions that flight crews should take if they encounter rudder restriction."

The NTSB is investigating an incident in February in which the rudder pedals on a United 737 MAX 8 were stuck in the neutral position during a landing at Newark. There were no injuries to the 161 passengers and crew.

United said last month the rudder control parts at issue were in use in only nine of its 737 aircraft originally built for other airlines and the components were all removed earlier this year.

The NTSB earlier criticized Boeing for failing to inform United the 737s it received were equipped with actuators "mechanically connected to the rudder control system" and expressed concerns other airlines were unaware of their presence.

Reuters
Reuters

{afn_job_title}

Similar Stories

https://www.ajot.com/images/uploads/article/American_Airlines_Plane_1.jpg
American Airlines becomes only carrier to fly nonstop between Washington, D.C., and San Antonio
View Article
Open Skies agreement with the Dominican Republic enters into force

The U.S.-Dominican Republic Air Transport Agreement entered into force on December 19. This bilateral agreement establishes a modern civil aviation relationship with the Dominican Republic consistent with U.S. Open Skies…

View Article
https://www.ajot.com/images/uploads/article/WorldACD12202024.png
WorldACD Weekly Air Cargo Trends (week 50) - 2024
View Article
https://www.ajot.com/images/uploads/article/AM_CONNECTS_MIA_CUN_-_DEC_19.jpg
Aeromexico now connects Miami with Cancun
View Article
https://www.ajot.com/images/uploads/article/EUROCONTROL_Aviation.png
EUROCONTROL Aviation long term outlook expects aviation to reach 15.4 million flights in 2050
View Article
https://www.ajot.com/images/uploads/article/Etihad_Cargo_Paris.jpeg
Etihad Cargo adds Paris to freighter network with new weekly service
View Article