Boeing's problematic aircraft faces multiple challenges
Recently, FAA Director Steve Dixon signed an order to revoke the ban on Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
After being grounded for 20 months, the model is expected to achieve an official commercial return.
However, some people in the industry pointed out that the aerodynamic problems of the engine design of this model are still being questioned, and the improvement measures required by the US regulatory authorities may not be able to change the essential defects of this model.
On December 2, local time, after a 20-month security ban, the Boeing 737MAX aircraft carried out its first return flight in the United States under the witness of many media reporters.
The flight was performed by American Airlines (AA).
The picture shows airline employees taking a group photo with the plane.
Prior to this, the Boeing 737 MAX passenger planes operated by Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines crashed successively, and all the people on board were killed.
The investigation found that the design flaws of the aircraft and the FAA regulatory errors were important reasons for the crash.
Multinational aviation regulatory authorities required the aircraft of this type to be grounded and take improvement measures.
The FAA requires Boeing to arrange new pilot training and upgrade software, and improve the stall prevention system called MCAS.
MCAS was alleged that in the two previous air crashes, the nose of the aircraft was lowered and it was difficult for the pilot to regain control of the aircraft.
At the same time, Boeing must eliminate potential safety hazards in wiring configuration and other aspects.
In addition, airlines must conduct maintenance inspections on every 737 MAX they own and obtain approval from the FAA, and pilots must receive an additional two hours of simulator training.
After the Federal Aviation Administration lifted the ban, some US airlines have begun planning to fly the aircraft.
American Airlines plans to arrange its first Boeing 737 MAX flight to return on December 29, but said that it will let passengers know clearly that this is a 737 MAX flight. If passengers do not want to take the flight, they can change the itinerary.
Southwest Airlines stated that it will wait for the situation of other airlines to return to flight before making a decision.
The families of the victims of the air crash expressed strong dissatisfaction with the lifting of the ban.
The families of the victims of the Ethiopian aviation disaster issued a statement expressing their disappointment with the FAA's decision.
Oyce Ryan, a family member of the victims, said that if safety is not the first priority, such a company should not continue to operate.
At present, there are still many countries that have not yet determined whether the model has met safety standards after the improvement.
Canadian Transport Minister Mark Garno said in a statement that Canada’s flight restrictions on the Boeing 737 MAX are still in effect.
Novi Riyanto, Director-General of Air Transport of the Indonesian Ministry of Transport, said that the 737 MAX will not be approved immediately for a go-around, and certain procedures are still required to ensure the safety of the aircraft.
Industry insiders believe that the greater challenge Boeing faces is to rebuild passenger confidence.
The 737 MAX disaster is closely related to Boeing's mistakes and the improper protection of the aviation industry by the U.S. aviation regulator.
Aviation expert Mark Donbrowski said: “Winning back customer trust may be much more difficult than Boeing’s redesign of an aircraft.” (Wu Lejun)