The US Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recommended that operators of the 737-900ER conduct visual inspections of mid-exit cabin door plugs, following ongoing issues with the grounded 737-9 MAX.
Although the older 737-900ER is not part of the MAX fleet, it uses the same door plug design. “As part of their Safety Management Systems, some operators have conducted additional inspections on the 737-900ER mid-exit door plugs and noted findings with bolts during the maintenance inspections,” notes the Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO).
Although the recommendation is not legally binding, “operators are encouraged to conduct a visual inspection to ensure the door plug is restrained from any movement through the two upper guide track bolts and two lower arrestor bolts,” adds the publication. Operators are also encouraged to report findings to their certificate management office.