FAA's Deliberate Decision: Boeing 737 MAX Engines Safe for Now

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has decided not to mandate immediate action on Boeing 737 MAX engines following recent bird strike incidents. This decision, announced on November 21, is a deliberate approach to address an issue that, while serious, does not pose an imminent flight safety risk.

Two recent bird strike incidents on Southwest Airlines flights highlighted the potential danger of oil leaks and noxious fumes entering the cockpit. In one instance, a turkey vulture was sucked into the engine of a flight from Havana to Fort Lauderdale, while a bald eagle hit the engine of a New Orleans to Tampa flight. Both incidents resulted in heavy fan blade damage and the activation of a load reduction device, leading to oil sump damage and smoke filling the cockpit.

The FAA, in collaboration with Boeing, CFM International (the engine manufacturer), and European aviation safety regulators, is working to address the engine issue. A Corrective Action Review Board will be convened in the coming weeks to examine the data and develop a path forward. The FAA has determined that this is not an immediate flight-safety issue, and airlines will continue to operate their 737 MAX aircraft as normal.

Boeing has issued an operations manual bulletin (OMB) to inform airlines of the potential impacts to the engine and appropriate operating procedures. The company will continue to ensure that its customers and pilots are informed of any approved changes to the 737's operating procedures.

While the FAA's decision not to mandate immediate action is reassuring, the investigation into the bird strike incidents is ongoing. The review board will evaluate the internal FAA safety recommendations and work with Boeing, CFM International, and other stakeholders to address the issue effectively. The FAA will follow its standard rule-making process, which may include issuing a notification to operators of the 737 MAX worldwide containing Boeing's enhanced instructions.



In the meantime, Boeing, Southwest Airlines, and other stakeholders involved in the 737 MAX will continue to collaborate with the FAA to ensure the safety of the global fleet. The FAA's approach, while deliberate, is designed to address the issue without causing unnecessary disruption to airline operations.

As the investigation continues, the financial implications for Boeing, Southwest Airlines, and other stakeholders involved in the 737 MAX remain uncertain. However, the FAA's decision not to mandate immediate action may help alleviate short-term concerns and maintain investor confidence in the Boeing 737 MAX and the broader aviation sector.