FAA Reviews Boeing 737 MAX After Bird Strikes: No Immediate Action Required

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that after reviewing two incidents where bird strikes in Boeing 737 MAX engines led to smoke development, no immediate measures are necessary for the time being. The FAA had set up a special committee to evaluate the incidents involving Southwest Airlines aircraft. This review concerns the CFM LEAP-1B engine, where smoke was found in two Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Despite the incidents, the corrective committee saw no urgent need for action. The agency announced that it continues to investigate whether similar engine designs could be affected. A notice to foreign aviation authorities regarding information provided by Boeing will be made soon. New launch procedures have been considered to minimize the risk of bird strikes and prevent smoke from entering the cockpit. However, it could take longer for Boeing to obtain the necessary certifications for the MAX 7 and MAX 10 models. Boeing assured that it is following regulatory approaches to carefully address potential issues and ensure the safety of the global aircraft fleet. Southwest Airlines previously informed its crews about the effects of certain bird strikes and emphasized compliance with existing safety procedures. A design change proposal could include a software update that regulates airflow when a turbine blade is damaged by a bird strike. CFM, the world's leading engine manufacturer, expressed support for the FAA's decisions and promised to work closely with Boeing and regulatory authorities. The National Transportation Safety Board last week opened an investigation into an incident in December 2023 in New Orleans, where the left engine of a Southwest aircraft was affected by a bird strike and smoke entered the cockpit.