The Boeing 737 is back in the headlines yet again for all wrong reasons. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an advisory to Indian airlines operating Boeing 737 aeroplanes regarding a potential risk of a jammed rudder control system. This safety advisory comes on the backdrop of US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) raising concerns over Boeing 737 planes fitted with Collins Aerospace SVO-730 Rudder Rollout Guidance Actuators

Domestic airlines – Air India Express, Akasa Air and SpiceJet currently operate the Boeing 737s. As per the DGCA advisory, the regulator has directed the airlineDs to inform their flight crews about the risk of a jammed or restricted rudder control system and implement necessary mitigations.

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“Appropriate measures must be communicated to help crews identify and manage such situations,” DGCA said in the advisory.

Airlines have been instructed to conduct a safety risk assessment for their Boeing 737 fleets and address the rudder control issue. The advisory also mandates the suspension of Category III B operations, which include low-visibility landings and autoland procedures, until further notice.

To further ensure safety, the DGCA has asked airlines to make discussions about potential rudder system issues a part of recurrent crew training. The issue will also be included in Instrument Rating/Proficiency Checks (IR/PPC) and pre-simulator briefings, where crews will practise handling scenarios involving rudder malfunctions.

These interim measures aim to enhance preparedness among flight crews and mitigate the risks associated with rudder control malfunctions, safeguarding aviation operations in India.

What is the issue?

In February 6, 2024, the NTSB was investigating an incident in which the rudder pedals on a United Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX were stuck in their neutral position while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport.

According to NTSB, a sealed bearing was incorrectly assembled on actuators for rudders that pilots adjust to stay in the centre of the runway after landing. As a result, moisture could leak into a rudder assembly and freeze.

Response of the Airlines

"The advisory concerning the Boeing 737 rudder system applies to only five aircraft in our fleet. We have begun the compliance process to meet the regulatory requirements," stated an Air India Express spokesperson.