Boeing has approached federal regulators seeking an exemption for a new model of its 737 Max airliner from a safety standard aimed at preventing engine housing overheating and potential breakage during flight. This move raises concerns and prompts a closer look at safety measures.
Federal officials previously identified a hazard on existing Max planes, urging Boeing to address the issue. In the absence of an immediate fix, pilots were instructed to limit the use of an anti-icing system to prevent potential damage. Boeing, facing delivery challenges for the new Max 7, has sought an exemption to safety standards related to engine inlets and the anti-ice system until May 2026.
Boeing’s Long-Term Solution: FAA Review Ahead
Boeing assured that it is actively working on a long-term solution to the safety concern, which will undergo thorough testing and FAA review. However, critics express reservations about relying on pilots’ memory to adhere to restrictions on the anti-icing system.
Warning to Pilots: Max 8 and Max 9 Limitations to Avoid Overheating Risks
Pilots operating Max 8 and Max 9 aircraft have been cautioned to restrict the use of the anti-icing system to five minutes in dry conditions. Failure to do so could lead to overheating, potentially causing engine housing parts to break away and pose serious risks, as seen in a tragic incident involving an older 737 in 2018.
Unique Challenge to 737 Max: Overheating Issue Specific to Carbon Composite Inlets
The overheating problem is exclusive to the 737 Max, characterized by engine inlets made from carbon composite materials instead of metal. Boeing assures that pilots of the new Max 7 will follow the same instructions for the anti-ice system as those flying current Max planes.
Ongoing Safety Concerns: Boeing’s Troubled 737 Max Journey
The 737 Max, introduced in May 2017, faced global grounding after fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. Recent interruptions in Max deliveries were attributed to manufacturing flaws, and a directive to inspect planes for potential issues with the rudder-control system was issued last month. Boeing navigates a complex landscape to restore confidence in the safety of its 737 Max fleet.
(With AP Inputs)