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United States FAA concerns safety alert over Boeing 737 rudder problem

The Federal Aviation Administration on Tuesday said it released a security alert to airlines warning of the potential for minimal or jammed rudder movement on certain Boeing 737 planes.

Recently, the National Transportation Security Board stated more than 40 foreign operators of Boeing 737 planes might be using MAX or 737 Next Generation planes with rudder parts that might posture security dangers.

The FAA stated the alert provides info on an existing automated check of the rudder system that would identify restricted or jammed rudder movement during approach prior to landing.

The board on Sept. 26 provided urgent safety recommendations and prompted the FAA to do something about it over the potential for a jammed rudder control system on some 737 planes after a February incident involving a United Airlines flight.

Recently, the NTSB said 271 impacted parts may be installed on aircraft in service run by a minimum of 40 foreign air providers and 16 may still be set up on U.S.-registered aircraft and as much as 75 may have been utilized in aftermarket installation.

Boeing, which did not instantly comment Tuesday, stated earlier it had informed affected 737 operators of a potential. condition with the rudder rollout assistance actuator in August,. in what is called a Multi Operator Message.

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said in a letter to FAA. Administrator Mike Whitaker recently the board was concerned. of the possibility that other airline companies are unaware of the. presence of these actuators on their 737 aircrafts. The FAA. stated Tuesday it will provide a formal notification to. international air travel agencies about the concern.

The NTSB is examining an incident in February in which. the rudder pedals on a United 737 MAX 8 were stuck in the. neutral position throughout a landing at Newark. There were no. injuries to the 161 guests and crew.

United stated last month the rudder control parts at problem. remained in usage in just 9 of its 737 aircraft initially developed. for other airline companies and the components were all removed earlier. this year.

The NTSB earlier slammed Boeing for failing to notify. United the 737s it received were equipped with actuators. mechanically connected to the rudder control system and. revealed issues other airline companies were uninformed of their. presence.

(source: Reuters)