FAA demands Boeing to enhance safety and quality standards
- The FAA has stated that Boeing needs to make significant changes to improve aircraft safety and quality.
- Recent incidents, including a 737 Max leaving the factory without essential bolts, have led to increased federal investigations.
- The FAA's enhanced oversight aims to ensure Boeing implements necessary changes and maintains long-term safety standards.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has indicated that Boeing must implement significant changes to enhance the safety and quality of its aircraft. This announcement follows a congressional hearing where FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker highlighted the need for a cultural shift within Boeing to address systemic quality assurance and production issues. The FAA has increased its oversight, adding more safety inspectors at Boeing and its supplier, Spirit AeroSystems, which is currently being acquired by Boeing. Recent investigations revealed that a 737 Max operated by Alaska Airlines left the factory missing crucial bolts, prompting federal inquiries into Boeing's production practices. Additionally, Spirit AeroSystems has reported missing or duplicated records for about 4% of its parts since 2010, although no immediate safety concerns have been identified. The FAA is also restructuring its internal oversight to improve regulatory management and safety protocols, with Whitaker and the agency's deputy administrator now part of the executive committee overseeing these efforts. The ongoing scrutiny and investigations underscore the FAA's commitment to ensuring that Boeing addresses its quality issues effectively and sustainably.