FAA Orders Tail Inspections on 1,987 Boeing 737NGs (simpleflying.com)
The FAA has mandated inspections of 1,987 US-registered Boeing 737NG aircraft after reports of pitch oscillation events tied to excessive freeplay in the horizontal stabilizer's pivot hinges and jackscrew. Airworthiness directive 2026-20-14 takes effect November 23, requiring freeplay measurements that may lead to repeat checks or replacement of worn parts, at an estimated $510 and six work hours per aircraft. The FAA rejected requests from United, Alaska, and Canadian North for longer intervals or deferred deadlines, and the 737 MAX family is not covered.
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The final rule in the Federal Register prices only the measurement; for worn-part replacement the FAA says it has no definitive data, so the real bill depends on how many jets fail the freeplay check. It also shows the underlying Boeing bulletin is dated June 12, 2025, so this has been in the system well over a year before becoming mandatory.
The final rule in the Federal Register prices only the measurement; for worn-part replacement the FAA says it has no definitive data, so the real bill depends on how many jets fail the freeplay check. It also shows the underlying Boeing bulletin is dated June 12, 2025, so this has been in the system well over a year before becoming mandatory.