Operators of Boeing 737 Max Need a Bolt Check

Boeing is recommending that 737 Max operators inspect their aircraft “out of an abundance of caution.” [Credit: Matthew Thompson/Boeing]

Boeing has urged all airlines that fly the 737 Max to inspect their rudder-control system for a possible loose bolt. According to the Seattle Times, last week an unnamed international airline discovered a bolt missing a nut while performing routine maintenance. This was reported to the FAA, which in turn released a statement that it was "closely monitoring targeted inspections of 737 Max aircraft to look for a possible loose bolt in the rudder control system."

The statement continued that under consultation with the FAA, "Boeing had issued a Multi-Operator Message (MOM), urging operators of newer single-aisle airplanes to inspect specific tie rods that control rudder movement for possible loose hardware."

The FAA reported that the aerospace company "discovered an additional undelivered aircraft with a nut that was not properly tightened." The agency is asking the airlines that utilize the 737 to "work through their approved safety management systems to identify whether any loose hardware has been detected previously and to provide the agency with details on how quickly these inspections can be completed."

READ MORE: Boeing: Extra Holes Drilled in 737 Max Pressure Bulkheads

According to the Seattle Times, Boeing recommended operators inspect their 737 Max "out of an abundance of caution,” and noted there had not been any "in-service incidents" caused by possible loose hardware.

It was noted that prior to pushing back from the gate, airline crews conduct preflight inspections of each aircraft, checking rudder function, among other things.

737 Max Airliners Boeing boeing 737 rudder bolt

Meg GodlewskiAuthor

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.