If you’ve been reading news about airplanes recently, you’ll know that Boeing’s 737 MAX is still grounded, and airlines are making worried noises about being able to fly all the flights they want to next summer. But why is this all happening?
Why was the MAX grounded?
When the MAX was stopped from flying some five months ago, the primary concern was a flaw in MCAS (the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System). This complex computer programming was quietly added by Boeing without adequate oversight from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the principal regulator certifying the aircraft. Consequently, other global regulators are now taking a firmer stance.
MCAS is essential because the new, large, fuel-efficient engines on the MAX are oversized for the 737’s frame, an aircraft family that first flew in 1967. Originally, engines were smaller (but much less efficient), prompting Boeing to design the plane to sit closer to the ground, facilitating manual loading of luggage by airport staff. As a result, various generations of the 737 have had to address the challenge of incorporating bigger, more efficient engines onto this smaller aircraft, unlike its main competitor, the Airbus A320, which was designed later.
Boeing and the FAA are under the microscope
When the MAX was grounded, it was in an unexpectedly surprising manner: one by one, national and international regulators banned the jet from flying in their airspace. Normally, the lead regulator for the aircraft—like the FAA or EASA in Europe—would issue a grounding edict. However, it is quite rare for such a situation to arise today.
This action was perceived as a vote of no confidence in the FAA, its relationship with Boeing, and the politicization surrounding both the regulator and the company. Furthermore, phone calls from Boeing’s CEO to the White House appealing to prevent the grounding did little to bolster public confidence in safety protocols. Many at Boeing hoped for a swift resolution to the MCAS issues as the 737 is a major revenue source for the company, with grounding costs potentially reaching between ten and twenty billion US dollars by now.
However, new problems continue to emerge. Some are the kind of technical issues that can arise with any newly manufactured aircraft. Manufacturers and regulators employ specific procedures to instruct airlines on how to resolve a range of issues from minor to major. For instance, certain early models of the Airbus A350 require rebooting every 149 hours due to a bug in the computer system. While this may sound unusual, it is the responsibility of aviation safety measures to catch such issues early.
To illustrate, consider buying a newly manufactured car. It’s understandable if minor problems—like windscreen wipers malfunctioning—occur. However, if the steering wheel begins to behave erratically, stopping immediately is essential for safety. This analogy reflects the current situation with the 737 MAX, as regulators are scrutinizing how pilots interact with the aircraft, insisting that any necessary repairs occur before it returns to service.
It’s also a big game of politics
Aviation operates globally, and each country possesses its own aviation regulator. Each regulator must approve the MAX to restart flying in its airspace. Political dynamics often complicate these processes. For example, China is in the midst of developing the C919, an aircraft slightly larger than the 737 MAX, and as such has a vested interest in gathering insights from Boeing’s challenges. Moreover, ongoing trade disputes only add a layer of complexity to Boeing’s situation.
Additionally, no regulator wants to be considered negligent. The FAA is ensuring that every requirement is met, while other regulators may necessitate additional fixes beyond the FAA’s directives. Consequently, determining when the MAX will return to service is challenging. A new plan aims to replicate several functions of the flight control computer, including MCAS. The various adjustments to the aircraft and its systems further complicate the timeline for resolving the issues with the numerous grounded 737 MAX jets.
