CAAT says Thailand’s 12 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft unaffected by FAA directive

All 12 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft currently operating in Thailand can continue flying normally after aviation authorities confirmed that none falls within the production range affected by a US airworthiness directive prompted by structural cracks found on some aircraft overseas.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) said on August 10 that it had reviewed the Thai-based fleet after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an Airworthiness Directive requiring inspections of part of the forward service-door structure on certain Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

CAAT compared the line and serial numbers of all 12 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in Thailand with the technical information and aircraft range covered by the FAA directive. None was found to be affected.

FAA directive follows cracks found overseas

The FAA directive covers certain Boeing 737 MAX 8, MAX 9 and MAX 8-200 aircraft and requires inspection of reinforcing structures around the forward right-hand service door frame.

The measure followed the discovery of cracks in structural components on some aircraft outside Thailand.

CAAT, which regulates civil aviation safety in Thailand, contacted airlines operating aircraft from the affected family to check their fleets. Thailand currently has 12 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in service.

The authority said the production numbers of all 12 fall outside the range specified by the FAA directive. The aircraft therefore do not require the additional inspections or corrective work stipulated by the order and can remain in normal service.

CAAT to continue monitoring safety directives

CAAT said it would continue monitoring technical information, airworthiness directives and other safety measures issued by aviation regulators and aircraft manufacturers.

The authority will also oversee Thai operators’ compliance with airworthiness requirements as part of its continuing supervision of civil aviation safety.