American Scandal Boeing | Point of Failure | 3
Aug 27, 2024
In the high-stakes world of aviation, pressure mounts as Boeing rushes to compete with Airbus. Engineers face a perilous dilemma, opting for a software solution, MCAS, to fix the 737 MAX's issues without alerting pilots. This decision leads to tension as safety standards clash with corporate priorities. Tragedy unfolds when malfunctioning planes result in chaos and dire consequences. The podcast explores the ethical dilemmas and disillusionment within Boeing's culture, highlighting a pivotal moment in aviation history.
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The Pitch-Up Problem Discovery
- In 2012, Boeing's new 737 MAX-8 faced a pitch-up problem during high-speed turns, discovered in simulator tests by chief test pilot Ray Craig.
- Despite the alarming stall, Craig trusted Boeing's commitment to safety over deadlines.
The MCAS Decision
- Boeing engineers and managers discussed solutions to the MAX 8's pitch problem, considering a tail redesign and software fix (MCAS).
- Ray Craig voiced his preference for a hardware fix but acknowledged MCAS's potential with redundant sensors.
The Training Dilemma
- Installing MCAS was the cheapest solution, but the FAA might mandate simulator training if it was deemed a new feature.
- This posed a problem for Boeing, who promised airlines no extra training and even offered financial compensation.