The Daily Boeing’s Broken Dreams
Jan 3, 2020
In this insightful discussion, Natalie Kitroeff, a business reporter for The New York Times, interviews John Barnett, a former quality manager at Boeing and whistleblower known as "Swampy." They dive deep into the safety issues plaguing Boeing after the tragic 737 MAX crashes. Barnett reveals systemic failures and cultural challenges that compromised safety standards. They also highlight troubling quality control lapses and the intense pressure on employees to prioritize production over safety, raising critical questions about Boeing’s practices and future.
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Pride Turned to Shame
- John Barnett, known as Swampy, once felt immense pride working at Boeing.
- Now, he and other employees feel embarrassed due to the company's changed culture.
Uncleaned Debris
- Swampy found metal shavings near critical wiring, posing a fire risk.
- Despite reporting it, the debris remained, and he was removed from the inspection.
Foreign Objects in Planes
- Various foreign objects were found in planes, including a bolt in an engine and a ladder in a tail.
- These discoveries highlighted sloppy workmanship, posing potential safety risks.