FAA Archived Press Releases

January 21, 2024

FAA Statement on Recommending Visual Inspections of Boeing 737-900ER Mid-Exit Door Plugs

As an added layer of safety, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is recommending that operators of Boeing 737-900ER aircraft visually inspect mid-exit door plugs to ensure the door is properly secured. The Boeing 737-900ER is not part of the newer MAX fleet but has the same door plug design. 
January 12, 2024

FAA Increasing Oversight of Boeing Production and Manufacturing

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After taking decisive and immediate action to ground approximately 171 Boeing 737-9 MAX planes, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced new and significant actions to immediately increase its oversight of Boeing production and manufacturing. These actions come one day after the FAA formally notified Boeing that the FAA has launched an investigation into the company as a result of last Friday’s incident on a Boeing Model 737-9 MAX in which the aircraft lost a passenger door plug while in flight. 

January 12, 2024

For the Safety of American Travelers the FAA Will Keep the Boeing 737-9 MAX Grounded Until Extensive Inspection and Maintenance is Conducted and Data from Inspections is Reviewed

FAA requires Boeing to provide extensive data from inspections for review prior to returning the 737-9 MAX to service.
December 28, 2023

FAA Closely Monitoring Inspections of Boeing 737 MAX Airplanes

The FAA is closely monitoring targeted inspections of Boeing 737 MAX airplanes to look for a possible loose bolt in the rudder control system.

Under consultation with the FAA, Boeing has issued a Multi-Operator Message (MOM), urging operators of newer single-aisle airplanes to inspect specific tie rods that control rudder movement for possible loose hardware.

December 20, 2023

Santa, FAA Showcase Ways to Stay Off the Naughty List This Holiday Season

Drones, Lasers, Lithium Batteries and more...
December 20, 2023

FAA Moves to Address Air Traffic Controller Fatigue

Tasks expert panel with identifying potential mitigations
December 19, 2023

Biden-Harris Administration Invests $66 Million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding for Airport Improvements Across the Country

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $66.2 million from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to airports in 23 states and Puerto Rico. The 66 projects are funded exclusively by non-discretionary grant funds under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program. In total the infrastructure law invests $25 billion over five years in U.S. airports to modernize terminals, increase safety, expand capacity, replace equipment, and more.  

December 14, 2023

FAA Ready for a Busy Holiday Travel Season

WASHINGTON — This festive holiday season, the Federal Aviation Administration predicts most fliers will take off the Thursday before Christmas. 

Holiday travel forecast

Holiday traffic for the Christmas week will peak on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 with 48,959 flights. The next highest travel day will be Friday, Dec. 22 with 43,953 flights and Tuesday, Dec. 26 is forecast to have 41,028 flights. 

December 13, 2023

FAA Administrator Strengthens Safety Oversight Authority

Follows Independent Recommendation to Reinforce Ties Among Safety Officials
December 6, 2023

FAA Proposes to Require Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Who Work on Commercial Aircraft Outside of the U.S.

Agency proposes rule that aligns with the FAA and DOT’s rules for U.S. repair station employees. It aims to help deter and detect drug and alcohol use that could compromise aviation safety.