The Nation - News from Feb. 7, 1988

The Boeing Co. may have to recall 1,100 of its model 737 jetliners to correct landing problems under a government draft proposal that some industry analysts estimated could cost $10 million. The plane is one of the most widely used in the world, with about 1,497 delivered as of this week. Later-model 737-300s are not involved in the proposal. Federal Aviation Administration officials in Seattle confirmed they are writing a proposed “airworthiness directive,” similar to an automobile recall. FAA spokesman Dick Meyers said the directive would require Boeing and airlines that fly Boeing 737-100s and 737-200s to install a radio device that can sense when the airplane is within a few feet of the runway. That could head off a sequence that FAA officials believe sometimes makes it difficult to stop the planes. Boeing spokesman Jack Gamble said the company would wait until the FAA’s “notice of proposed rule” is issued before making a statement.