FAA recommends inspection of door plugs on certain older Boeing 737s

Federal officials have recommended that airlines inspect the door plugs on certain older Boeing 737s, including the 737-900ER, after a panel blew off a Boeing jet in mid-flight. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a safety alert, recommending that airlines visually inspect four places where a bolt, nut, and pin secure the door plug to the plane. The door plugs are panels that seal holes left for extra doors when the number of seats is not enough to trigger a requirement for more emergency-evacuation exits.

The FAA has also recommended that airlines inspect the panels on the 737-900ER, which have door plugs that are identical in design to the one that flew off the Alaska Airlines jetliner. The FAA has stated that some airlines have noted findings with bolts during maintenance inspections. The FAA has grounded all Max 9s with door plugs instead of regular doors in the back of the cabin.

In conclusion, airlines should inspect the door plugs on certain older Boeing 737s, including the 737-900ER, to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. The FAA has issued a safety alert, recommending that airlines visually inspect four places where a bolt, nut, and pin secure the door plug to the plane. The door plugs are panels that seal holes left for extra doors when the number of seats is not enough to trigger a requirement for more emergency-evacuation exits. The FAA has also recommended that airlines inspect the panels on the 737-900ER, which have door plugs that are identical in design to the one that flew off the Alaska Airlines jetliner.