Boeing’s Influence on U.S. Government and FAA Under Scrutiny Following Safety Incidents
Boeing, a pillar of the U.S. economy, has long enjoyed a special relationship with the U.S. government. However, recent safety incidents involving Boeing jets, including the 737 Max 8 crashes in 2018 and 2019, have raised concerns about the extent of this relationship. The crashes prompted significant changes, with a new CEO at Boeing and revamped oversight rules at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Yet, the latest safety incident involving a Boeing 737 Max 9 has raised questions about whether these changes were sufficient.
FAA’s Oversight of Boeing Under Scrutiny
Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of a panel blowing off an Alaska Airlines jet midair. As a result, federal regulators have grounded 171 Max 9 planes with similar configurations and launched a review of Boeing’s manufacturing and production lines. The head of the FAA has called for a reexamination of the agency’s practice of delegating oversight responsibilities to Boeing employees, suggesting the possibility of transferring some duties to a third party. This would mark a significant shift in how the federal government regulates Boeing, an icon of American industry.
Boeing’s Economic Importance
Boeing’s significance to the U.S. economy extends beyond its direct employment of over 140,000 people. The company also supports a network of suppliers and contractors across the country. Small and medium-sized businesses benefit from Boeing’s sales, making it a crucial player in the economy. Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump have both acted as cheerleaders for Boeing, highlighting its importance to the United States.
Concerns Over Boeing’s Influence and FAA’s Relationship
However, critics argue that Boeing’s influence and the FAA’s relationship with the company have compromised safety. After the 2018 and 2019 crashes, it was revealed that Boeing had hidden key details about the 737 Max 8’s flight control systems from regulators. Additionally, FAA regulators had determined that the Max 8 was likely to experience the same problem again but did not disclose this information. Congressional hearings exposed troubling internal emails from Boeing employees mocking their colleagues and regulators. These incidents have led to calls for a reevaluation of the current system and a reduction of the cozy relationship between regulators and companies.
FAA’s Response and Potential Changes
In response to the recent safety incident involving the 737 Max 9, the FAA has taken swift action, grounding all planes with door plug issues and considering larger changes to its regulation of Boeing. The agency is contemplating moving quality oversight and inspections to an independent third party, a move that safety advocates believe is necessary to ensure independence and prioritize safety over profitability. This shift would mark a significant departure from the FAA’s current practices.
The Future of FAA Regulation of Boeing
The FAA is facing a critical moment as it navigates how to regulate one of the largest companies in the aviation industry. While safety inspectors cannot inspect every aspect of every plane, maintaining the status quo is no longer seen as a viable option. The FAA’s new administrator, Mike Whitaker, has expressed the need to reexamine the delegation of authority and assess associated safety risks. The ultimate goal is to ensure that safety takes precedence in the regulation of Boeing, a company that plays a vital role in the U.S. economy.