Just when we thought we were safe from more MAX news, the news cycle added a new twist over the weekend, the potential for wire bundles being too close and constituting a potential hazardous condition. This new finding emerged in the continuing review by the FAA of the 737 MAX certification process, which is apparently not restricted to the MCAS software, but now the entire airplane and particularly any “special conditions” that might have been granted during certification.
This could cause further delays and further expense in bringing the MAX back into production, as well as increase the timeframe for the MAX to return. In that light, there are several areas that will likely also to come under FAA review before a return to service. One is the distance of the larger engines to the fuselage and the potential for damage from an un-contained engine failure, and the other is the strength of the engine nacelle, after a failure on a 737NG
model, to determine whether the component needs strengthening. A particular concern is two rudder cables that are relatively close together that could be impacted by engine debris in a similar situation, potentially resulting in a loss of control.
While examination of these issues may not necessarily result in changes, a full review of the entire aircraft certification process will likely extend the return to service well beyond February projections for return to service approval. With Ryanair already stating that it does not expect to have new airplanes delivered before October, 2020, the time frame is slipping further to the right.
The Boeing announcement that it is temporarily suspending production of the 737 MAX has resulted in uncertainty and confusion throughout the industry, as the lack of transparency that is the Boeing modus operandi has once again raised its ugly head.The employees at its Renton plant first heard of the shutdown from the news media rather than the company itself, which reflects the arrogance of Boeing’s management team, and the supply chain is still awaiting word on what actions Boeing is going to take and when.So much for partnering for success – as real partners talk to each other and know what’s going on.In this case,Boeing’s silence speaks volumes.
Meanwhile, an Irish-based aircraft lessor is now suing Boeing for damages, and the head of JetBlue spoke about the Boeing backlash in his forward look at 2020.The news continues to get worse, with the typical Boeing arrogance when it comes to their employees, suppliers, and the media – dead silence or press-releases that obfuscate more than inform.
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