The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed a 90-day deadline on Boeing to develop a quality control strategy following the incident with the 737 Max aircraft. This decision comes after a door plug blew out of a 737 Max 9 minutes into an Alaska Airlines flight, revealing a series of production problems on Boeing’s bestselling aircraft.
A preliminary investigation of Flight 1282 found that bolts needed to secure the unused door panel on the plane were missing. The door plug was removed and reinstalled at Boeing’s Renton, Washington, 737 Max factory. In response to this incident, FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker has called for “real and profound improvements” from Boeing.
Boeing has stated that it will prepare a “comprehensive action plan with measurable criteria” and that its leadership team is committed to meeting this challenge. The FAA is currently conducting an audit of Boeing’s 737 production lines and has halted the company’s planned ramp-up of 737 Max planes until it is satisfied with the quality control systems.
In addition to the incident with the door plug, an expert panel’s report on Boeing found a “disconnect” between the manufacturer’s senior management and employees on safety culture. This report was required by Congress after two crashes in 2018 and 2019 of Boeing 737 Max planes, which resulted in the loss of all passengers on board.
The FAA expects Boeing’s plan to improve quality control to include findings from the expert panel’s report and its ongoing audit. Boeing has recently implemented periodic work pauses at its factory to address safety and other production issues with workers.
Overall, the FAA’s imposition of a 90-day deadline on Boeing reflects the seriousness with which the agency is approaching the need for improved quality control in the wake of the 737 Max incidents. Boeing will need to demonstrate a commitment to making foundational changes and meeting mutually understood milestones and expectations to regain trust and ensure the safety of its aircraft.
 has given Boeing a 90-day deadline to develop a quality control strategy following the door plug incident on the 737 Max aircraft. Learn about the preliminary investigation findings, FAA audit, and the disconnect between Boeing's senior management and employees on safety culture. Find out how Boeing plans to address these issues and regain trust to ensure the safety of its aircraft.){kind=link}