The Daily The Origins of Boeing’s 737 Max Crisis
Jul 30, 2019
In this insightful discussion, Natalie Kitroeff, a business reporter for The New York Times, delves into the Boeing 737 Max crisis stemming from two devastating crashes linked to a flawed software system. She reveals how the FAA's oversight and its close relationship with Boeing compromised safety protocols. The conversation also highlights the troubling practices of safety certifications and the consequences of delegated authority in aviation regulation. Kitroeff explores the ongoing implications for airline safety and the regulatory landscape.
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Door-to-Door Investigation
- Natalie Kitroeff drove across Seattle, knocking on doors of former Boeing and FAA employees to understand the 737 MAX's development.
- Many refused to talk, highlighting the difficulty of getting insider information.
Shift in Authority
- The FAA delegated more authority to Boeing due to limited resources and difficulty recruiting experienced engineers.
- This shift, championed by figures like Ali Bahrami, aimed to streamline certification but raised safety concerns.
Limited Oversight
- Two people in the FAA's Boeing Aviation Safety Oversight Office primarily handled MCAS review.
- Experienced engineers left mid-certification due to frustration, and less-experienced replacements lacked crucial insights.