FAA issues emergency directive on 2,000 Boeing 737 NG, classic aircraft


By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Friday issued an emergency airworthiness directive for 2,000 U.S.-registered Boeing 737 NG and Classic aircraft that have been in storage, warning they could have corrosion that could lead to a dual engine failure.

The directive covers aircraft not operated for seven or more consecutive days. The FAA issued the directive after inspectors found compromised air check valves when removing aircraft from storage.

If corrosion is found, the valve should be replaced before the aircraft is returned to service, the FAA said.

Boeing said Friday that it had advised operators to inspect the planes, adding that “with planes stored or used infrequently due to lower demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, the valve may be more susceptible to corrosion.”

US airlines stockpiled thousands of planes after the coronavirus pandemic dramatically reduced travel demand, and some have put some planes back into service as demand increases.

The directive covering the 737 NG (600 to 900 series) and 737 Classic (737-300 to 737-500 series) models was prompted by four recent reports of single-engine shutdowns caused by engine purge air. .

The FAA said the AD must address corrosion of the 5th stage check valves of the engine purge air for both engines. The FAA said that could result in compressor stops and dual engine power loss without the ability to restart.

Boeing said it is providing inspection and replacement information to fleet owners if they encounter any problems.

(Report by David Shepardson; edition by Jason Neely and Steve Orlofsky)