11.09.18 – FAA Emergency Airworthiness Directive – 737 MAX

 
 
Wednesday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sent out an Emergency Airworthiness Directive in reference to the Boeing 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9 aircraft.

We have reviewed the communication in its entirety. The Airworthiness Directive requires revisions to certification limitations and operating procedures to provide guidance in the event of an issue with the Angle of Attack sensors. The requirement shall be met within 3 days of the issuance of the Airworthiness Directive.

In the U.S. there are three carriers that fly the 737 MAX variants, including American. American currently has 15 Boeing 737 MAX 8’s in operation, with another 100 on order. None of the air carriers operating this variant have reported any problems; rather, the manufacturer alerted the FAA to this potential issue.

Flight Deck crewmembers are certainly among the best trained in the world. We have been in contact with the Allied Pilots Association (APA) and they are well aware of the situation, as is the company. Everyone is reviewing the recommended procedures and directives to be prepared should the issue arise on an aircraft.

APFA members should feel confident that all of the appropriate resources are being dedicated to monitoring this investigation as it unfolds.