Ethics in Aviation - Boeing 737 Max Safety System

Boeing 737 Max Safety System         

    About three years ago, the Boeing 737 Max had been placed under investigation due to design flaws in a flight control software known as Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) which had resulted in two plane crashes in 2018 and 2019. The aircraft was quickly produced in order to compete with the Airbus A320neo.The then new 737 Max featured bigger engines, improved fuel efficiency, technology upgrades, and better sitting capacities compared to previous 737 models. The engines were slightly repositioned on the wings due to their size affecting the plane's pitch under certain conditions, MCAS was included to compensate for the change in balance by pitching down the aircraft if necessary. When sensor failure occurred like it did in both accidents, the aircraft would be forced into an unpreventable dive. All 737 Max aircraft were grounded for about a year and reintroduced in 2020. Further investigations on the 737 Max found that Boeing had not provided training on MCAS or included information about it in the pilot manuals.

  

    I chose this event because I remember when the accidents were first shown on the news but never quite knew why the crashes occurred. After digging deeper, I just can’t fathom why or how such a prevalent company like Boeing could neglect and try to downplay the situation. I believe in this scenario, Boeing is liable for not testing MCAS enough and taking their time with developing the aircraft. Even if Boeing was 100% confident in their design they still failed to provide the resources and training needed for their system. Most importantly, deaths could have been avoided from both plane crashes. In January 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) passed its safety review on the Boeing 737 Max, clearing the 737 Max for safe return to service.

References

Adel, A. (2023, March 5). Boeing 737 MAX: Latest safety measures and airline responses. Aviation for Aviators. Retrieved March 25, 2023, from https://aviationforaviators.com/2023/03/05/boeing-737-max-latest-safety-measures-and-airline-responses/#:~:text=FAA%20clears%20Boeing%20737%20Max,since%20its%20reintroduction%20in%202020.