Boeing Wants FAA To Exempt Max 7 From Safety Rules To Get It In The Air

Boeing has requested federal regulators to grant an exemption for a new model of its 737 Max aircraft, seeking relief from a safety standard aimed at preventing engine housing overheating and detachment during flight, The Associated Press reported.

Last year, federal officials acknowledged Boeing’s efforts to address the issue in existing Max planes, instructing pilots to restrict the use of an anti-icing system temporarily.

Without an immediate fix, Boeing sought an exemption from safety standards related to engine inlets and the anti-ice system until May 2026, crucial for delivering the new Max 7 to airlines.

While Boeing is working on a long-term solution, critics express concern about relying on pilots to remember limitations on the anti-ice system.

Pilots of Max 8 and Max 9 are cautioned to limit anti-icing system use to five minutes in dry conditions, as prolonged use could lead to overheating, potentially causing parts to detach and pose serious risks, reminiscent of an incident in 2018.

This overheating concern specifically pertains to the Max, characterized by engine inlets crafted from carbon composite materials.