US FAA issues safety alert over Boeing 737 radar issue

Item 1 of 2 The tail of Boeing's new 737 MAX-9 (L) is pictured next to an older model under construction at its production facility in Renton, Washington, US, on February 13, 2017. Photo taken on February 13, 2017. REUTERS/Jason Redmond/File photo

[1/2]The tail of Boeing's new 737 MAX-9 (L) is pictured next to an older model under construction at its production facility in Renton, Washington, US, on February 13, 2017. Photo taken on February 13, 2017. REUTERS/Jason Redmond/File Photo Purchase Licensing the rightA new tab opens

The NTSB issued emergency safety recommendations to Boeing and the FAA
The FAA directs pilots to review Boeing's procedures for jammed radar
The FAA will collect data following incidents involving United and Aeromexico 737s

WASHINGTON, Oct 8 (Reuters) – The Federal Aviation Administration said on Tuesday it had issuedA new tab opens A safety alert to airlines regarding the potential for limited or jammed radar movement on certain Boeing 737 aircraft after a safety official requested action.

On September 26 the National Transportation Safety Board issued emergency safety recommendations to Boeing and the FAA after investigating possible radar problems on some 737 planes, prompting the FAA to form a Corrective Action Review Board.

The NTSB recommendation came while investigating a February incident involving United Airlines ( UAL.O ).A new tab opens Flight

The safety alert directs pilots and airline operators to review Boeing's procedures for responding to a jammed radar. The FAA said it will collect data as a result of the recommended checks and investigations but does not plan to propose a directive that would require airlines to replace parts that may become stuck.

Last week, the NTSB said more than 40 foreign operators of Boeing ( BA.N )A new tab opens 737 Airplanes are using 737 or 737 Next Generation planes with radar components that may pose a safety risk.

The FAA said the warning provides information about an existing automatic check of the radar system “that will detect limited or jammed rudder movement prior to landing” and said airlines should warn pilots that the rudder “may potentially become jammed or restricted during flight due to humidity.” Landings that can accumulate and freeze.”

The NTSB said 271 affected parts may be installed in service on at least 40 aircraft operated by foreign air carriers as well as 16 U.S.-registered aircraft and may be used in 75 aftermarket installations.

Boeing notified 737 operators in August of a “potential condition with the rudder rollout guidance actuator” known as a multi-operator message.

Boeing said Tuesday it was continuing to monitor regulators and “reminded operators of the proper steps flight crews should take if they encounter radar limitations.”

The NTSB is investigating an incident in February in which the radar paddles of a United 737 MAX 8 stuck in neutral during landing at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. All 161 passengers and crew were uninjured.

United said last month that the radar control components at issue were used on only nine of its 737 planes originally built for other airlines, and that all the components were removed earlier this year.

The FAA disclosed Tuesday that in March, an Aeromexico Boeing 737 MAX experienced a noticeable noise and sensation on the flight deck with a rudder pedal restriction. Aeromexico did not immediately comment.

The NTSB previously criticized Boeing for failing to inform United that the 737s it received were equipped with actuators “mechanically linked to the radar control system” and expressed concern that other airlines were unaware of their presence.

Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Mark Potter, Aurora Ellis, and Bill Berkrot

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