WASHINGTON D.C.- The FAA is implementing a fresh Airworthiness Directive (AD) applicable to specific Boeing 737 MAX 9 airplanes.
The decision to issue this AD stems from an incident report involving the in-flight detachment of a mid-cabin door plug, leading to a rapid decompression of the aircraft.
FAA AD for 737 MAX
The new AD mandates the grounding of affected airplanes until a thorough inspection is conducted and all necessary corrective measures are completed.
The FAA previously communicated an emergency AD to all identified U.S. owners and operators of these airplanes. The issuance of this AD aims to rectify the identified unsafe conditions on these aircraft.
This airworthiness directive (AD) comes into effect on January 18, 2024. Emergency AD 2024–02–51, released on January 6, 2024, encompassing the stipulations of this amendment, has been in effect with immediate notice.
The FAA released Emergency AD 2024–02–51 on January 6, 2024, to rectify a safety concern identified in specific Boeing Company Model 737–9 airplanes.
This emergency AD was communicated to all identified U.S. owners and operators of these aircraft and mandates a cessation of further flights until a comprehensive inspection is conducted and all necessary corrective measures are implemented.
The FAA approximates that this Airworthiness Directive (AD) impacts 144 airplanes registered in the United States.
Alaska Airlines Incident
The impetus behind Emergency AD 2024–02–51 was a documented incident involving the in-flight detachment of a mid-cabin door plug, leading to rapid decompression of the aircraft.
The FAA is instating this AD to mitigate the potential risk of an in-flight loss of a mid-cabin door plug, a circumstance that, if unaddressed, poses the threat of passenger and crew injuries, the impact of the door on the aircraft, and/or loss of control of the airplane.
The FAA determined that the risk associated with the potential in-flight loss of a mid-cabin door plug necessitated urgent action, justifying the waiver of notice and comment procedures.
This is due to the severe consequences, including the risk of injuries to passengers and crew, the impact of the door on the aircraft, and the potential loss of control of the airplane.
Given the ongoing hazardous conditions, this AD is now published in the Federal Register as an amendment to 14 CFR 39.13 to ensure immediate effectiveness for all concerned parties.
Given the critical nature of the safety issue, prior notice and public comment are deemed impracticable and contrary to the public interest under 5 U.S.C. 553 (b) (3) (B).
Furthermore, good cause exists under 5 U.S.C. 553(d) to make this amendment effective in less than 30 days for the same compelling safety reasons that warranted bypassing notice and comment procedures.
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