The FAA Wants a Closer Look at the Tail of 1,987 Boeing Jets

The FAA has ordered inspections of the horizontal stabilizer on 1,987 US-registered Boeing 737 Next Generation jets, covering the 737-600, -700, -800 and -900 families. The final airworthiness directive, AD 2026-20-14, was published on October 19 and takes effect on November 23, 2026. The newer 737 MAX is not included.

The concern is freeplay, meaning looseness in the tail surface that controls pitch. The FAA tied excess movement to pitch-oscillation reports from several operators and warned that uncorrected looseness could develop into flutter, a vibration severe enough to compromise control of the aircraft. Operators must measure freeplay at the pivot hinges and jackscrew and take corrective action based on the readings.

The agency declined two requests to soften the schedule. Canadian North asked to stretch the first inspection from 12 months to 36, and United asked for longer repeat intervals on aircraft with replacement hinge bearings. The FAA said freeplay must be monitored whether parts are original, repaired or new.

The directive does not ground the fleet. Aircraft come out of service only as needed for measurement and any repairs. The FAA estimates six work-hours per aircraft, about $510 each and roughly $1 million across the US fleet, though it could not say how many jets will need replacement parts.

Sources: Air Traveler Club, EASA-hosted text of AD 2026-20-14