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CHICAGO (AP) -- The Federal Aviation Administration this week ordered inspections for hundreds of Boeing planes, following reports of cracks in some older models.
The now-finalized rule, which was unveiled Thursday and kicks in Sept. 10, applies to certain aircraft under three Boeing 737 Max models: the 737-8, 737-9 and 737-8200. The FAA estimates this covers 471 planes -- and said it is using this directive to address "the unsafe condition" tied to prior reports.
So far, no cracks have been found in these specific Max models. But when proposing the rule back in November, the FAA noted it had received reports of cracks in a forward bear strap for several older, "Next-Generation" 737 planes. Bear straps are metal sheets that reinforce areas on planes like doorways and emergency exits.