FAA ORDERS EMERGENCY INSPECTIONS OF 2,000 BOEING 737S
August 3, 2020
On July 23, 2020, the FAA issued an emergency airworthiness directive (AD), available here, for owners and operators of Boeing model 737-300, -400, -500, -600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, but not the 737 Max which has remained grounded since March 2019. The AD was prompted by four recent reports of single-engine shutdowns due to engine bleed air 5th stage check valves being stuck open. This condition, if not addressed, could result in compressor stalls and dual-engine power loss without the ability to restart, which could cause a forced off-airport landing. Per the AD, airlines must inspect the aircraft for valve corrosion, and if corrosion is found, the valves must be replaced before the aircraft is returned to service. As FAA regulations only require owner/operators of U.S.-registered aircraft to comply with the requirements of ADs issued by the FAA, operators of foreign registered aircraft are not required to comply.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com or 202-659-6622); Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com or 202-659-6665), or Andy Orr (aorr@eckertsemans.com or 202-659-6625).
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