A US Senate investigation says plane maker Boeing ‘inappropriately influenced’ FAA testing on the Boeing Max.
The US Senate investigative report alleges Boeing tried to engineer a ‘pre-determined outcome’ along with the FAA by coaching pilots before testing their reaction time to a similar issue to what caused to deadly crashes.
"It appears, in this instance, the FAA and Boeing were attempting to cover up important information that may have contributed to the 737 Max tragedies," the 101-page report said.
"Our findings are troubling. The report details a number of significant examples of lapses in aviation safety oversight and failed leadership in the FAA," said Senator Roger Wicker, who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee.
The FAA has now changed how it reviews pilot reaction to in-flight cockpit issues, determining it takes longer to act than was previously thought.
The Senate took action following a whistle-blower account of various questionable practices regarding the covering up of maintenance and safety issues.
The report also slammed the FAA for ‘continuing to retaliate against whistle-blowers instead of welcoming their disclosures in the interest of safety.’
The FAA responded by calling some issues raised ‘unsubstantiated allegations.’
Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor
