FAA Mandates Inspection of Over 2,000 Boeing 737s and 757s for Landing Gear Integrity
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) made a significant announcement on July 7, 2025. It intends to mandate US airlines to inspect an estimated 2,200 Boeing 737 and 757 aircraft. This decision comes in light of concerns that improper maintenance could have potentially compromised the integrity of the main landing gear.
This proposed airworthiness directive has its roots in a Boeing 767 incident. In this case, workers improperly used a grinder to machine the inner diameter of the main landing gear outer cylinders. This action resulted in heat damage, leading to the collapse of the landing gear. The FAA discovered that workers at the same maintenance facility used identical equipment on 166 Boeing 737s and 20 Boeing 757s.
In response to this, Boeing issued Alert Requirements Bulletins for both aircraft types in January 2025. The company urged airlines to inspect 1,833 Boeing 737s and 399 Boeing 757s. The aim was to identify affected main gear outer cylinders and replace any compromised components. The FAA’s proposed rule would enforce these inspections across the affected fleet, making them mandatory.
This directive signifies another substantial safety measure in the aviation industry. It continues to address maintenance-related concerns in the wake of increased scrutiny of Boeing aircraft operations and maintenance procedures.
Source: Flight Global