The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering issuing a directive that would require mandatory inspections of Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG) aircraft, specifically focusing on the horizontal stabilizer components. This move comes after numerous reports indicated excessive freeplay—looseness—in the stabilizer's pivot hinges and jackscrew, which can lead to pitch control problems and potentially compromise flight safety.
The draft regulation, expected to be published on January 9, mandates inspections to assess freeplay values in the affected parts. If worn or damaged, these parts must be replaced to ensure correct aircraft handling. Currently, there is no existing requirement for such inspections, making this a proactive safety measure.
Background and Industry Response
The issue has been linked to several incidents involving pitch oscillations, prompting Boeing to issue a service bulletin in June 2025 that recommends inspection procedures. The FAA's proposed directive is based on Boeing’s recommendations and aims to mitigate flight safety risks associated with stabilizer freeplay.
“Addressing freeplay in the horizontal stabilizer is critical to maintaining aircraft stability and safety,” said an FAA spokesperson.
The FAA estimates approximately 1,987 aircraft registered in the United States may be subject to this inspection mandate, with similar measures likely adopted internationally. Operators of the affected fleet are advised to refer to Boeing’s bulletin for detailed inspection procedures and serial number eligibility.
This initiative highlights ongoing efforts by aviation authorities to enhance safety standards amidst evolving technical concerns in commercial aircraft fleets.
