The head of the Federal Aviation Administration, Mike Whitaker, admitted to a Senate panel that the agency did not properly oversee Boeing and should have had better insight into the company’s safety practices well before a door panel incident on Jan. 5.
Whitaker mentioned that the F.A.A.’s approach was too focused on paperwork audits and not enough on actual inspections. Changes have been made to the oversight process, including increasing safety inspections and maintaining a presence at Boeing’s factories and its supplier, Spirit Aerosystems.
Boeing has submitted a plan to revamp its quality control practices and safety culture, which the F.A.A. will monitor closely. The agency has also prohibited Boeing from ramping up production of its 737 Max jets until they are satisfied with the company’s improvements.
Whitaker stated that he will personally ensure that necessary changes are implemented, including visiting Boeing’s factories in Charleston, SC, and Renton, WA. The F.A.A. will have regular meetings with Boeing to track progress on the outlined goals of the 90-day plan.
Overall, the F.A.A. has recognized the need for improved oversight of Boeing and is taking proactive steps to address the issues at hand. It is crucial for the safety and security of air travel that proper measures are in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.
