Boeing moves toward recommending more inspections for cracks in 767 engine mounts

Boeing may recommend more 767 inspections

Boeing says airlines that fly its 767 are likely to be asked to increase inspections for cracks where the engine attaches to the wing.

The move comes after the problem was found on at least two American Airlines jets.

Boeing Co. says it may ask airlines to inspect the wings every 400 flights. Right now the Federal Aviation Administration requires inspections every 1,500 flights.

But the cracks on the American jets were found after fewer flights. That raises the possibility that the wings are more susceptible to cracks than previously thought.

Boeing says it expects to make the new recommendation in mid-July. The extra inspections will not be mandatory unless the FAA issues its own order. About 260 jets built before June 1997 are involved.