FAA Chief Reveals Boeing’s Emphasis on Production Over Safety
Boeing, one of the world’s leading aerospace giants, has come under scrutiny in recent months following a series of safety incidents. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) chief Michael Whitaker has raised concerns about Boeing’s safety culture, suggesting that the company has prioritized production over safety and quality.
In a recent interview with NBC Nightly News, Whitaker revealed the findings of the FAA’s audit and culture survey of Boeing. He stated that the audit indicated that Boeing’s focus has been on production rather than safety and quality. This shift in priorities raises serious concerns about the company’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its aircraft.
Whitaker emphasized the importance of putting safety first, stating, “If it’s not safe, then the whole system is not working the way it should.” He expressed disappointment with Boeing’s failure to prioritize safety in their briefings to the FAA, highlighting the need for a cultural shift within the company.
The FAA initiated a six-week audit of Boeing’s manufacturing processes for the 737 Max jetliner following an incident in which a panel blew off one of the planes during an Alaska Airlines flight. The audit report, published on February 26, identified 27 areas where Boeing’s safety procedures and culture were found to be lacking.
One of the major issues highlighted in the report was a disconnect between Boeing’s senior management and other members of the organization when it comes to safety culture. The report also noted a lack of awareness of safety-related metrics at all levels of the company and a lack of a consistent reporting process for employees to raise safety concerns.
The report further revealed that there was hesitation among employees to report safety concerns due to fear of retaliation. This is concerning as managers responsible for investigating safety concerns also have authority over employee performance evaluations and disciplinary actions.
Boeing has been given 90 days to develop a comprehensive plan to address these systemic quality-control issues. Whitaker has urged the company to make real and profound improvements to its safety culture. It is clear that significant changes are needed to ensure that safety is given the highest priority within Boeing.
Stan Deal, CEO of Boeing’s commercial plane division, acknowledged the violations found by the FAA and stated that the majority of them were a result of workers not following approved procedures. He outlined remedial steps that Boeing will be taking, including working with employees to ensure they understand work instructions and procedures. The company will also implement weekly compliance checks and be prepared to stop production or delay aircraft if necessary.
The recent incidents involving Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines have further raised concerns about Boeing’s safety practices. In each case, there were failures related to the aircraft’s wheels or panels, highlighting potential issues with manufacturing and maintenance processes.
Boeing must address these concerns promptly and effectively to rebuild trust in its brand and ensure passenger safety. The FAA will undoubtedly be closely monitoring the company’s progress in implementing the necessary changes.
In conclusion, the FAA’s audit and culture survey have revealed significant shortcomings in Boeing’s safety culture. The company’s emphasis on production over safety is a cause for concern, as it undermines the integrity of their aircraft and puts passengers at risk. Boeing must take immediate action to address these issues and prioritize safety and quality in its operations. The future of the company’s reputation and the safety of its passengers depend on it.
