Boeing 747s must check if their elevators have balance weights

The US aviation regulator is ordering all Boeing 747 airplanes to check their maintenance records. This is to make sure that a specific part, the outboard elevator, has the correct balance weights installed.

A missing balance weight on an airplane's elevator can cause control problems. This rule means every 747 operator must now confirm these parts are correctly installed, or inspect them if records are unclear. It forces a check on a fundamental safety component that could otherwise be overlooked.