The chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, Jennifer Homendy, expressed concern that the issue leading to a door plug blowing out of a Boeing 737 Max 9 jet could happen again, emphasizing the need for NTSB oversight to prevent such incidents. She criticized the delivery of the plane with critical bolts missing and supported the need for changes in the FAA's oversight of aircraft manufacturers. Despite the string of quality problems at Boeing, she stated that she would have no hesitation flying on a 737 Max 9, believing they have been thoroughly inspected.
The head of the US aviation regulator has announced plans to increase safety checks on Boeing planes following a recent incident where a door plug broke off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max. Concerns about manufacturing standards have been raised after loose bolts and fixings were found in inspections, prompting scrutiny of Boeing's compliance with safety requirements. The FAA is conducting a comprehensive review of Boeing's safety culture and has emphasized its commitment to the safety of the flying public.
The FAA has cautioned Congress against raising the mandatory retirement age of airline pilots from 65 to 67, emphasizing the need for additional research and safety analysis. This comes ahead of a potential hearing related to an aviation bill in the Senate Commerce Committee. While the House of Representatives previously passed a bill including the provision to raise the retirement age, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) have opposed the move, citing potential consequences for U.S. air carriers and international standards.
The head of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration urged Congress not to raise the mandatory retirement age of airline pilots to 67 from 65, emphasizing the need for additional research and safety analysis. The Senate Commerce Committee is considering its own version of the aviation bill, with the FAA and Transportation Secretary cautioning against the change due to lack of supporting data and potential consequences for U.S. air carriers. While the House previously voted in favor of the age hike, the Air Line Pilots Association opposes it, citing potential scheduling and training issues, while the Regional Airline Association supports it for retaining experienced captains.
The head of the FAA has cautioned US Congress against raising the mandatory retirement age of airline pilots from 65 to 67, emphasizing the need for additional research and safety analysis. The Senate Commerce Committee is considering an aviation bill, but the FAA and Transportation Secretary have expressed concerns about the lack of data to support the increase and its potential impact on aviation safety and US air carriers. The Air Line Pilots Association opposes the age hike, while the Regional Airline Association supports it for retaining experienced captains.
The head of the FAA has pledged to maintain a physical presence at Boeing's 737 MAX factory until the agency is satisfied with the aircraft's quality control, following the grounding of 737-9 MAX planes after a door plug incident. The FAA has deployed inspectors to visually examine the planes and is transitioning to a direct inspection approach, requiring extensive measurements and data. Boeing's CEO plans to meet with senators amid frustration from Alaska Airlines over loose bolts found on its 737 MAX 9 jets, with the airline demanding improvements to Boeing's in-house quality programs.
The US regulator is considering revoking Boeing's authority to self-inspect its planes, a privilege the company has held for decades, amid concerns over the safety of its aircraft. This move comes after a series of safety and quality control issues with Boeing's planes, including the 737 MAX crisis. If implemented, this change could significantly impact Boeing's operations and the aviation industry as a whole.
The FAA announced increased oversight of Boeing's 737 Max 9 production, including an audit of the production line and suppliers, amid concerns about safety risks and delegated authority. The agency is considering using independent third parties for inspections and quality oversight, and is investigating Boeing's manufacturing practices following recent incidents. Some 737 Max 9 jets remain grounded as the FAA works on specific inspection requirements, and Boeing's CEO has pledged full cooperation and transparency with the investigation.
India's Office of the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed an update to its bylaws regarding alcohol consumption, which includes a section mentioning that pilots and flight attendants should not use substances such as mouthwash, tooth gel, perfume, or any product with alcoholic content, as it may result in a positive breath analyzer test. While the impact of wearing perfume on breath tests is unclear, the proposal aims to ensure pilot safety and prevent instances of pilot drunkenness. The public has until October 5 to provide comments on the proposed addition.
