New York: US regulators have granted approval for a comprehensive inspection framework, paving the way for the reinstatement of Boeing 737 MAX planes that were grounded following an emergency landing earlier this month, as announced on Wednesday. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) introduced inspection protocols specifically for the Boeing 737 MAX 9, prompting United Airlines to anticipate the return of its grounded aircraft to service starting this Sunday.
Toby Enqvist, United’s chief operations officer, emphasized the airline’s commitment to a thorough inspection process before reintroducing each MAX 9 aircraft to service. United Airlines is preparing for the scheduled return of aircraft to service beginning this Sunday, following the completion of the inspection process.
The FAA’s announcement marks a significant development, addressing the grounding of 171 MAX 9 planes following an incident on an Alaska Airlines flight on January 5. The incident involved a blowout of a fuselage panel, exposing passengers to open air and necessitating an emergency landing. While no injuries occurred, safety inspectors highlighted the potential catastrophic consequences.
Under the FAA’s “enhanced maintenance” procedure, airlines are required to conduct inspections on specific bolts and fittings, perform detailed visual assessments of plugs and components, and address any identified damage or abnormal conditions. The FAA emphasized that the aircraft will only resume operation once the inspection process is complete, ensuring compliance with the original design for safe operation.
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