Search Results for: max 8

BOEING 737 MAX 10—THE MAZE explained. 
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BOEING 737 MAX 10—THE MAZE explained. 

FlightGlobal’s Jon Hemmerdinger writes about the recent FAA Type Certification Authorization for the Boeing 737 Max 10, permission to begin flight tests with FAA inspectors aboard. The author also cites Boeing’s existing LOGBOOK OF MORE THAN 400 FLIGHTS AND NEARLY 1,000 HOURS (about 1 and a half months) in the air of flight time since…

The Assignment that the Senate bestowed on Mr. Whitaker by giving him the key to 800 Independence  
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The Assignment that the Senate bestowed on Mr. Whitaker by giving him the key to 800 Independence  

Below is an article trumpeting the Senate’s confirmation of Michael Whitaker as the FAA Administrator effective now until October 14, 2028, by a vote of 98-0 rare unanimity in these absurdly politicized days. Perhaps the Senators recognized that the chair which this nominee is now appointed is surrounded by ramparts from the outside of the office…

What does the 18 month FAA nomination process reveal as an institutional issue? 
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What does the 18 month FAA nomination process reveal as an institutional issue? 

Three recent articles (below) announced the selection of the European union1 Aviation Safety Administration (EASA)2 and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) plus a Senate hearing for the Federal Aviation Administrator (FAA). The later vacancy has lasted 18 months with one nominee withdrawn, two acting (second must withdraw on 10/25/2023) and thus likely a third…

WHY IS THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION THROWING $28,000,000 AT VAGUELY DEFINED ATC PROBLEMS? 
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WHY IS THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION THROWING $28,000,000 AT VAGUELY DEFINED ATC PROBLEMS? 

With considerable press outreach (but no press releases available on the FAA website) the Biden Administration (the White House, Secretary Buttigieg, but not the FAA Administrator [acting or not]?) announced that it is INVESTING $28,000,000 in unspecified? unknown? technology to cure close calls (undefined) at airports (not TRACONs or ARTCCs?). David Koenig, a respected AP…

Justice and Jail for Boeing vs. NTSB probable cause?
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Justice and Jail for Boeing vs. NTSB probable cause?

The Department of Justice (DoJ) has announced that it had initiated a CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION “WHETHER THE [Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max] PANEL BLOWOUT VIOLATED TERMS OF A 2021 SETTLEMENT that let Boeing avoid prosecution for allegedly misleading regulators who certified the 737 Max.” The charge traces to the terms to which Boeing agreed to close…

What can be learned from Piper Fury and Part 23 revision?
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What can be learned from Piper Fury and Part 23 revision?

A long tortuous trail towards allowing greater innovation in developing and certificating Normal, Utility, Acrobatic, and Commuter Category Airplanes has been in place for 10 years. Does the Piper announcement of its new, innovative Piper M700 FURY (see below for detailed technical description by Piper) signal an improvement in the processing of this aircraft? HISTORY “Background…

BOEING’s repeatedly pushing the ROCK the wrong way.
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BOEING’s repeatedly pushing the ROCK the wrong way.

The Congress of the United States legislated [AIRCRAFT CERTIFICATION, SAFETY AND, ACCOUNTABILITY Act Pub. L, 116-260 Div. V, section 103] that an independent expert panel to “conduct focused oversight of Boeing’s processes for performing FAA-delegated functions.”  (” Section 103 ODA expert Panel”). The 24 members[1] on February 24,2024, issued a 50 page report. Below is…

PRC’s nuclear battery shows the Red Dragon tech Threat.
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PRC’s nuclear battery shows the Red Dragon tech Threat.

UAS Vision, see below, has written about a disruptive battery innovation from the PRC company, Betavolt,miniature NUCLEAR BATTERY that it says can keep working for up to 50 years. The article well describes what this energy source can deliver in thorough detail. Read it and weep! (assuming that the information from the PRC can believed—my…

Foreign TC Validation needs FAA people, not GAO’s process 

Foreign TC Validation needs FAA people, not GAO’s process 

In response to a Congressional request the Government Accountability Office (GAO) devoted 21 months (May 2022 to January 2024) to study the Effectiveness of the FAA’s International Validation Process (“GAO study”). They had extensive  Interviews with FAA staff, OEMs, trade associations and 4 Foreign Civil Aviation Certification Authorities [CAAs] (Brazil’s Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil…

Spirit AeroSystems – Boeing key questions to be asked and from which to learn 
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Spirit AeroSystems – Boeing key questions to be asked and from which to learn 

A lawsuit, see below article, alleges that Spirit AeroSystems disregarded complaints of its quality personnel that defects were present in the company’s production lines, although the B737 Max 8 plug door was not specified. Spirit did not reply to the author; so, the company’s position on these serious safety concerns are not yet known.  …