The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Boeing 737-8 and 737-9 aircraft, addressing an electrical issue that could potentially lead to a loss of critical flight instruments. The directive, effective May 22, mandates the installation of two bonding jumpers on the standby power control unit (SPCU) to secure a reliable ground connection through the P6 panel.
This safety measure comes in response to a series of incidents related to electrical failures in these aircraft models. The FAA’s decision was influenced by a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) issued in August 2023 after identifying that the loss of a ground through the P6 panel could result in the failure of the SPCU. The directive targets 79 aircraft in the U.S. fleet and involves an estimated cost of $435 per aircraft.
Despite these actions, The Foundation for Aviation Safety has urged the FAA to consider grounding the Boeing 737 MAX fleet entirely, citing ongoing electrical malfunctions and broader safety concerns. This sentiment is reinforced by past incidents and whistleblower reports that have highlighted potential electrical defects and rushed production processes at Boeing.
The FAA, however, maintains that the directive sufficiently addresses the immediate safety risks, arguing against the need for a fleet-wide grounding. Boeing, which has requested minor clarifications in the NPRM, supports the directive’s measures but faces continued scrutiny over its production practices and quality control.
This latest development reflects ongoing tension between regulatory actions aimed at mitigating safety risks and broader concerns about the integrity of Boeing’s manufacturing processes. As the aviation community continues to monitor the effectiveness of these measures, the debate over the safety of the Boeing 737 MAX series remains a critical issue for industry stakeholders.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, simpleflying.com
