FAA Vows to Hold Boeing Accountable and Revamp Safety Program
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Mike Whitaker will tell Congress that the agency is committed to holding Boeing accountable for ensuring the safety of its aircraft and will overhaul its own safety management program. In written testimony seen by Reuters, Whitaker will emphasize the need for Boeing to make significant changes to its quality system following systemic production issues.
During a U.S. House aviation subcommittee hearing on Boeing’s quality improvement plan, Whitaker will state, “I am prepared to use the full range of my authority to ensure accountability, whether from a manufacturer, an air carrier, or the FAA’s own operations.” He has already restricted Boeing from increasing production of the 737 MAX until safety and quality improvements are made.
The FAA is now closely monitoring Boeing’s production through real-time performance indicators to identify and address any issues immediately. Whitaker acknowledged that the FAA was “too hands-off” in its oversight of Boeing before a January emergency involving an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9, leading to increased scrutiny.
Additionally, the FAA is revamping its safety management program, with a focus on proactive risk identification. Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell has called for the FAA to enhance its safety policies, and Whitaker confirmed that the agency is reevaluating its approach to better predict and prevent risks.
The FAA’s reforms aim to create a more robust oversight system to ensure long-term improvements in aviation safety and accountability.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, yahoo.com