MAX Deliveries paused over vertical stab problem
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14 Apr 2023 - MAX Deliveries paused over vertical stab problem
Boeing has paused deliveries of the MAX since discovering a production problem with 2 fittings that connect the vertical stab to the fuselage.
The issue with the part, which is made by Spirit AeroSystems, could go back to 2019.
Boeing said that "The issue will likely affect a "significant" number of undelivered 737 MAX airplanes both in production and in storage, and could result in lowered 737 MAX deliveries in the near term"
The issue affects all 737 MAXs (except possibly the MAX 9) and the P-8A which is stilll in production and is based on the NG.
The FAA said it had "validated" Boeing's assessment that there was no immediate safety issue "based on the facts and data Boeing presented" and it will evaluate all affected aircraft before delivery.
The problem involves the installation of two fittings that join the aft fuselage made by Spirit to the vertical tail, which were not attached correctly to the structure of the fuselage before it was sent to Boeing. Certain versions of the aircraft, like the MAX 9, use fittings from different suppliers and were correctly installed.
An image of the fittings is shown below. For more details see https://youtu.be/thczZuAs2zI?t=4348
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*** Updated 05 Aug 2023 ***
