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U.S. regulator widens call for 737 mid-exit door plugs inspections
January 23rd 2024
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is directing operators of 737-900ER aircraft to conduct visual inspections of mid-exit door plugs to ensure they are properly secured “as an added layer of safety”. Read More » The 737-900ER is not part of Boeing's 737 MAX family, but the aircraft types share the same door plug design, the FAA said in a Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) advisory. “As part of their Safety Management Systems, some operators have conducted additional inspections on the 737-900ER mid-exit door plugs and have noted findings with bolts during the maintenance inspections,” the SAFO said. “Operators are encouraged to conduct a visual inspection to ensure the door plug is restrained from any movements through the two (2) upper guide track bolts and two (2) lower arrestor bolts.” On January 5, a mid-exit door on an Alaska Air 737 9 separated from the fuselage in flight.
