A discussion with Mark Pegram, who lost his son in the 737 Max crash, and Ed Pierson, a former Boeing manager, raises safety concerns. Pierson warned about production pressures compromising safety before the accidents. Experts weigh in on the FAA's regulatory role and Boeing's safety measures post-accidents.
Production pressures compromised Boeing 737 Max safety, impacting aircraft quality.
Despite FAA approval, doubts persist surrounding re-certification of Boeing 737 Max and transparency of reforms.
Deep dives
737 MAX Tragedy and Grounding
The Boeing 737 MAX, once a flagship aircraft, faced two fatal crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia due to a faulty sensor triggering flight control software issues. These tragedies resulted in the grounding of the aircraft worldwide for 20 months. Families of victims and aviation experts questioned the safety and overhaul of the MAX despite FAA approval and Boeing's efforts to address past errors.
Boeing's Corporate Culture and Production Issues
Boeing faced scrutiny for its production practices at the Renton factory, with employees raising concerns about rushed production leading to safety compromises. The intense focus on increasing output resulted in chaotic factory conditions, fatigue among workers, and parts shortages, ultimately impacting aircraft quality. Testimonies highlighted Boeing's internal challenges and the pressures to meet production targets.
Reassessing 737 MAX Safety and Public Perception
Following the re-certification of the 737 MAX, debates continue about the aircraft's safety and Boeing's reputation. While modifications to the software, wiring, and pilot training have been implemented, doubts linger among victims' families and critics who question the transparency of the investigation process and the extent of reforms undertaken by Boeing. The public's trust in the MAX's safety remains a pivotal concern as airlines prepare to reintroduce the aircraft.
It was grounded worldwide after two tragic accidents. Now, regulators in the US have given it permission to fly again – but will it really be safe? Theo Leggett speaks to Mark Pegram whose son Sam was killed aboard the flight which crashed after take-off from the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa in March last year. He also spoke to Ed Pierson, a former senior manager on the 737 production line at Boeing’s Renton factory, just outside Seattle, who gave testimony to the House of Representatives saying how months before the first accident, he had emailed his bosses, warning them how the pressure to produce new planes as fast as possible was undermining safety. In response to Mr Pierson’s testimony, Boeing insisted that the suggestion of a link between his concerns and the Max accidents was completely unfounded. It added that none of the authorities investigating the accidents had found that production conditions in the 737 factory had contributed in any way.The US regulator, the Federal Aviation Administration, has also come under fire.
Barry Valentine, a former assistant administrator at the FAA who now works as a consultant for the Wicks group, says lessons have been learnt. Also in the programme is attorney and former inspector general of the US department of transportation, Mary Schiavo. And Bjorn Fehrm, of aviation consultants Leeham, who insists the 737 Max will now be safe.
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