Boeing 737 Max return to service
Introduction
The Boeing 737 Max is a narrow-body aircraft that was introduced by Boeing in 2017. It was
designed to be a more fuel-efficient and cost-effective version of the Boeing 737, which has been
a popular choice for airlines around the world. However, the 737 Max was involved in two fatal
crashes in 2018 and 2019, which led to the grounding of the entire fleet. The crashes were caused
by a faulty software system known as the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System
(MCAS), which caused the nose of the aircraft to point downwards, leading to the crashes. In this
report, we will discuss the rectifications required to bring the 737 Max back into service.
Software Fixes
One of the main reasons for the crashes of the 737 Max was the MCAS system. The system was
designed to automatically adjust the angle of the aircraft's nose to prevent it from stalling.
However, a faulty sensor caused the system to activate unnecessarily, leading to the nose of the
aircraft pointing downwards, which caused the crashes. Boeing has made significant changes to
the MCAS system to ensure that it is more reliable and less prone to failure. The changes include:
1. Multiple Sensors: The MCAS system now relies on data from two sensors instead of one.
This reduces the risk of the system being activated unnecessarily.
2. Limited Activation: The MCAS system will now only activate once instead of repeatedly,
which reduces the risk of the system pushing the nose of the aircraft downwards.
3. Pilot Override: The pilots can now override the MCAS system and manually adjust the
angle of the aircraft's nose if necessary.
4. Training: Pilots are now required to undergo additional training to learn how to operate
the MCAS system and how to respond if it malfunctions.
Hardware Fixes
In addition to the software fixes, Boeing has also made changes to the hardware of the 737 Max
to make it safer and more reliable. Some of the changes include:
1. Angle of Attack (AOA) Sensors: Boeing has redesigned the AOA sensors to make them
more reliable and less prone to failure. The new sensors have improved heating elements
and are more resistant to icing.
2. Wiring: Boeing has made changes to the wiring of the 737 Max to ensure that it is more
reliable and less prone to damage.
3. Hydraulic System: Boeing has made changes to the hydraulic system of the 737 Max to
ensure that it is more reliable and less prone to failure.
4. Cockpit Displays: Boeing has made changes to the cockpit displays to ensure that pilots
have access to all the necessary information about the aircraft's systems.
Regulatory Approval
Before the 737 Max can return to service, it must be approved by regulatory agencies around the
world. This includes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States and the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in Europe. These agencies will conduct thorough safety
assessments of the aircraft and its systems to ensure that it is safe to operate. The assessments
will include:
1. Flight Tests: The aircraft will undergo extensive flight testing to ensure that it is safe and
reliable.
2. System Reviews: The regulators will review all the changes made to the aircraft's systems
to ensure that they meet safety standards.
3. Pilot Training: The regulators will review the pilot training programs to ensure that they
adequately prepare pilots to operate the aircraft.
4. Maintenance Procedures: The regulators will review the maintenance procedures to
ensure that they are adequate to maintain the safety of the aircraft.
Conclusion
The grounding of the 737 Max was a significant setback for Boeing and the aviation industry as a
whole. However, the changes that have been made to the aircraft's systems and hardware, as well
as the pilot training programs, have significantly improved the safety and reliability of the aircraft.
Regulatory agencies around the world have also conducted thorough safety assessments of the
aircraft and its systems, and have given their approval for the aircraft to return to service.
In addition to the changes made to the 737 Max, the aviation industry as a whole has also taken
steps to improve safety and prevent future accidents. One of the most significant steps taken by
the industry is the formation of the Joint Authorities Technical Review (JATR) panel. The panel
was established by the FAA to conduct an independent review of the certification process for the
737 Max. The panel identified several issues with the certification process, including inadequate
communication between Boeing and the FAA, and the need for more independent oversight of
the certification process.
The JATR panel's recommendations have led to changes in the certification process for aircraft,
which will improve safety and prevent future accidents. The changes include:
1. Improved Communication: The FAA and aircraft manufacturers will improve
communication to ensure that all relevant information is shared and that safety concerns
are addressed.
2. Independent Oversight: The FAA will increase its oversight of the certification process to
ensure that it is more independent and rigorous.
3. More Testing: Aircraft manufacturers will be required to conduct more testing of their
aircraft to ensure that they meet safety standards.
4. Enhanced Training: Pilots will undergo enhanced training to ensure that they are
prepared to operate new aircraft.
The changes made to the 737 Max and the certification process for aircraft demonstrate the
commitment of the aviation industry to improving safety and preventing future accidents. While
there is still work to be done, these changes represent a significant step forward in ensuring the
safety and reliability of commercial air travel.
Impact on Boeing
The grounding of the 737 Max has had a significant impact on Boeing. The company has faced
significant financial losses due to the grounding and the delays in the aircraft's return to service.
The company has also faced legal challenges from families of the victims of the crashes and from
airlines that have been impacted by the grounding.
In addition to the financial impact, the 737 Max crisis has also had an impact on Boeing's
reputation. The company's handling of the crisis has been criticized by regulators, the media, and
the public. The company has faced questions about its commitment to safety and its ability to
develop safe and reliable aircraft.
However, Boeing has taken steps to address these concerns and to regain the trust of regulators,
airlines, and the public. The company has implemented changes to its management structure and
its processes to improve its safety culture and its ability to develop safe and reliable aircraft. The
company has also established a compensation fund for the families of the victims of the crashes
and has worked with airlines to mitigate the impact of the grounding on their operations.
Boeing's response to the 737 Max crisis demonstrates the importance of having a robust safety
culture and effective processes in place to identify and address safety concerns. The crisis has
highlighted the need for continuous improvement and the importance of transparency and open
communication between regulators, industry stakeholders, and the public.
Impact on the Aviation Industry
The grounding of the 737 Max has had a significant impact on the aviation industry. The
grounding has disrupted the operations of airlines around the world, leading to cancellations,
delays, and increased costs. The grounding has also led to a loss of confidence in the safety of
commercial air travel.