FAA Steps Up Oversight of Boeing Manufacturing Processes
In the wake of two Boeing 737 MAX crashes that occurred five years ago, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has intensified its oversight of the plane maker’s production. The crashes resulted in the tragic deaths of all passengers on board, sparking criticism of the FAA for being too lenient in regulating Boeing. As a result, more staff have been assigned to oversee Boeing’s production, with FAA inspectors now conducting final safety checks on each 737 MAX, replacing Boeing’s own employees.
Following an incident in which the emergency door of an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX passenger plane fell off in mid-air, new concerns have been raised regarding the safety of the aircraft. Additionally, it was reported that an aircraft may have rolled off the factory floor without the necessary bolts to secure the hatch, thus calling into question Boeing’s manufacturing practices.
As a result of a newly discovered drilling error, Boeing announced that it will have to rework 50 undelivered 737 MAX planes. This revelation has led to the resurgence of old questions about the effectiveness of the FAA and Boeing’s regulatory system. With only a small team of inspectors overseeing Boeing’s production, former government officials have likened the regulatory process to looking through a keyhole.
Following the recent developments, current FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker is scheduled to testify before a U.S. House of Representatives panel about the agency’s oversight of Boeing production. The FAA is engaged in “reimagined oversight” of Boeing, which will include placing more personnel on factory floors to better assess the company’s safety culture.
Boeing CEO David Calhoun has expressed openness to increased oversight, emphasizing that it will lead to improvements in the company’s manufacturing practices and safety standards. However, the company has acknowledged the need for greater scrutiny following the recent incidents.
The FAA has also set new limits on 737 MAX production, aiming to impose stricter oversight as a result of the ongoing concerns. Yet, questions persist, especially regarding FAA employees’ ability to prevent repeated violations of safety regulations and the overall effectiveness of the inspection process.
Despite the FAA’s efforts to strengthen its oversight of Boeing’s assembly of the 737 MAX, concerns remain about whether other flaws in the aircraft have gone undetected. The need for greater transparency from both Boeing and the FAA, as well as the imperative of restoring trust in the safety of the aircraft, is becoming increasingly urgent.
As debates about FAA oversight continue, the fate of hundreds of Boeing aircraft that were shipped out of factories without inspection remains a pressing concern. With passenger safety at the forefront, there is a growing need for heightened vigilance and comprehensive measures to ensure that Boeing meets stringent safety standards.