737 Max Crashes: Critics Accuse Boeing of Hiding Secrets and FAA Incompetence

A recent US Court of Appeals ruling in June has sparked concerns over airline safety and government transparency. The decision keeps confidential the communication between Boeing and the FAA regarding fixes to the MCAS flight control software after two fatal crashes involving the 737 MAX aircraft that claimed the lives of 346 people almost five years ago.

Critics argue that the court’s endorsement of the FAA and Boeing’s secrecy regarding the 737 MAX’s safety regulation poses a significant risk to air safety. The decision has raised questions about the ability to review and assess the actions of Boeing and the FAA, potentially shielding them from accountability for negligence, incompetence, conflicts of interest, and undue influence in safety-related decisions.

Experts such as Gregory Travis, an unpaid consultant for FlyersRight.org and a pilot with a background in software, have questioned the transparency of MCAS upgrades and the potential risks associated with the system’s failure during flight. Travis has highlighted the need for clearer instructions on pilot actions if the MCAS system malfunctions and if the government can be trusted to ensure safety.

FlyersRight.org has called on the FAA for a technical meeting and greater transparency regarding aircraft safety. Despite these concerns, the FAA, Boeing, and several pilots maintain that the 737 MAX is safe for flying, with numerous airlines operating the aircraft. However, calls for transparency and oversight continue to resonate within the industry.

The FAA’s response to these concerns has focused on its efforts to reverse the grounding of the 737 MAX, rather than addressing the issue of secrecy surrounding its regulatory decisions and communications with Boeing. The broader implication of the court’s ruling is that it raises concerns not only about airline safety but also about transparency in government oversight across various regulated industries.

While many consider the 737 MAX to be safe, critics argue that the recent court decision erodes transparency and accountability and underscores the need for greater protection for the public in regulatory decision-making.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, FlyersRight.org