The FAA has extended door plug inspections to include the Boeing 737-900ER as well. The agency issued a Safety Alert For Operators (SAFO) on Sunday for airlines to identify any issues with the door plug locking system that could have a potential problem. The -900ER uses the same door plug system as the MAX 9, which lost one during Alaska Airlines flight AS1282 on January 5.
Immediately after the FAA issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) for the MAX 9 on January 6, many asked why the 737-900ER wasn’t included in subsequent inspections. The SAFO says that some airlines themselves started inspecting the door plugs on the older 737 version.
Active as a journalist since 1987, with a background in newspapers, magazines, and a regional news station, Richard has been covering commercial aviation on a freelance basis since late 2016.
Richard is contributing to AirInsight since December 2018. He also writes for Airliner World, Aviation News, Piloot & Vliegtuig, and Luchtvaartnieuws Magazine. Twitter: @rschuur_aero.
