The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a safety alert to airlines regarding potential issues with rudder movement on certain Boeing 737 aircraft. In a report from Reuters, this alert follows recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on September 26, 2024, which urged both Boeing and the FAA to address possible rudder-related concerns. The NTSB’s actions came after investigating a February incident involving a United Airlines flight.
The safety alert from the FAA directs pilots and airline operators to review Boeing’s established procedures for handling a jammed rudder. The FAA plans to gather data through the recommended checks but has not announced a requirement for airlines to replace potentially faulty rudder components. The focus remains on monitoring and collecting information to address the issue effectively.
The NTSB’s recommendations followed an incident in February when a United 737 MAX 8 experienced stuck rudder pedals during a landing at Newark Liberty International Airport. Fortunately, the incident did not result in injuries to the 161 passengers and crew. The NTSB’s investigation highlighted concerns over the potential for rudder issues in some 737 models, prompting the FAA to convene a corrective action review board.
Global Impact and Manufacturer’s Response
The NTSB recently reported that over 40 foreign airlines might be operating Boeing 737 or 737 Next Generation aircraft with rudder components that could present safety risks. The FAA’s alert emphasizes the need for airlines to inform pilots about the possibility of limited or jammed rudder movement during flight or landing, especially in conditions where moisture could freeze and restrict movement. The alert also references an automated check that can identify such issues during the approach phase before landing.
Boeing has been working with regulators to address the concerns and has reminded airlines of the necessary actions that flight crews should take if they encounter restricted rudder movement. In August, Boeing communicated the potential issue through a Multi Operator Message to affected 737 operators, referring to a condition related to the rudder rollout guidance actuator.
Investigations into Recent Incidents
The NTSB has raised concerns about parts that may affect rudder movement, noting that 271 impacted components could be installed on aircraft operated by at least 40 foreign airlines. Additionally, 16 of these parts may still be installed on U.S.-registered aircraft, with up to 75 used in aftermarket installations. In response to these findings, the FAA’s alert aims to ensure that airlines maintain awareness and take precautionary measures.
United Airlines addressed the issue last month, stating that the affected rudder control parts were previously in use on nine of its 737 aircraft originally built for other carriers. The airline confirmed that these components were removed earlier this year. Another incident reported by the FAA involved an Aeromexico Boeing 737 MAX, which experienced a rudder pedal restriction during a flight in March, accompanied by a sound and sensation felt in the flight deck.
The NTSB has also criticized Boeing for not informing United Airlines that the 737s it received were equipped with specific actuators linked to the rudder control system. The NTSB has expressed concerns that other airlines may be unaware of similar issues on their aircraft.
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