Boeing is still in the process of making significant changes to enhance the quality and safety of its airplanes, as stated by the head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
During a congressional hearing on the FAA's oversight of Boeing, Administrator Michael Whitaker is expected to address the progress made by both the safety regulator and Boeing since the January 5 incident involving a door plug detaching from a 737 Max operated by Alaska Airlines. While improvements have been noted, Whitaker emphasizes that more work is required, and increased oversight will persist in the foreseeable future.
Whitaker stresses the necessity for a shift in Boeing's safety culture to comprehensively tackle its systemic quality assurance and production issues. The goal is to ensure that Boeing implements essential changes and establishes the appropriate mechanisms to sustain these changes in the long run.
Boeing has refrained from commenting on Whitaker's prepared remarks.
An initial investigation revealed that the Alaska Airlines aircraft departed a Boeing facility without the necessary four bolts to secure the door plug. This incident triggered multiple federal inquiries into Boeing, prompting congressional hearings that scrutinized the quality and safety of its aircraft. Another hearing with Whitaker is scheduled for Wednesday before a Senate committee to delve into the same subject.
Whitaker will underscore the need for Boeing to make significant changes to address systemic production quality issues. He also pledges that the FAA will intensify its oversight of both Boeing and its primary supplier, Spirit AeroSystems, which Boeing is in the process of acquiring.
Whitaker mentions the addition of more safety inspectors at Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems facilities, with plans to maintain an increased on-site presence for the foreseeable future.
Recent reports have surfaced regarding issues at Spirit AeroSystems, where an internal investigation revealed that approximately 4% of records since 2010 are either missing or duplicated for precisely measured parts like brackets, frames, and beams. Spirit assured that no safety concerns have been identified with the affected parts, and no aircraft will be grounded as a result. The company has notified affected customers and is conducting an internal probe.
The FAA is also revamping its internal structure by elevating the role of the FAA's executive committee overseeing regulatory oversight and safety management programs. Whitaker discloses that he and the agency's deputy administrator will now be part of that committee.
