Older Boeing 737s must be inspected for cracks under the drain mast

The US aviation regulator is requiring new inspections for older Boeing 737 airplanes. This means airlines must regularly check the fuselage skin near the aft drain mast for cracks or corrosion, and fix any problems they find.

This rule targets a specific structural weakness found in older 737 models. It means airlines operating these planes now have a mandatory, recurring maintenance task to prevent potential fuselage failures. The FAA is tightening safety requirements for aircraft that have been in service for decades.