The Daily Two Crashes, a Single Jet: The Story of Boeing’s 737 Max
Mar 19, 2019
Journalist Natalie Kitroeff from The New York Times dives into the complex story behind Boeing's 737 Max. She reveals how Boeing aimed to minimize pilot retraining costs during a fierce competition with Airbus, a decision that had dire consequences. The podcast discusses two tragic crashes that raised serious questions about the aircraft's software and pilot training. Kitroeff emphasizes the crucial role of investigative journalism in holding corporations accountable and restoring trust in the aviation industry.
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Boeing vs. Airbus
- Boeing and Airbus, the two aerospace giants, constantly compete on all aspects of aircraft design and cost.
- In 2010, Airbus launched the fuel-efficient A320neo, forcing Boeing to respond.
The 737 MAX Challenge
- Boeing developed the 737 MAX with larger engines for fuel efficiency, but this changed the plane's aerodynamics.
- To avoid costly pilot training, Boeing aimed to make the MAX handle like its predecessor.
MCAS: The Unseen System
- The 737 MAX's larger engines caused a nose-up tendency, increasing stall risk.
- Boeing created MCAS software to automatically correct this, making the plane feel like older models.