The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) orders inspections for hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft after reports of cracks found in fuselage components on some older airplanes, according to multiple outlets. The directive requires nearly 500 U.S.-based 737 MAX jets to undergo inspection for potential structural issues, with one report citing an order covering about 470 aircraft. The inspections focus on areas of the fuselage where cracks were reported on certain older model Boeing planes. The FAA’s action is described as an airworthiness directive issued after the regulator received reports related to these cracks. The directive applies to three specific 737 MAX variants: the 737 MAX 8, 737 MAX 8-200, and 737 MAX 9. While the articles summarize the scope and affected models, they also indicate that the FAA is focusing on verifying the integrity of the aircraft structures through the ordered inspections. The action reflects the FAA’s use of airworthiness directives to require additional checks when potential safety-related structural concerns are identified in the broader aircraft fleet.