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Return of the MAX 8
Tests for the recertification of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 are underway around the world. In Europe, officials from several countries are meeting to discuss Boeing's plans to train crews. If successful, the aircraft will be deemed airworthy and allowed to fly again after more than a year of being grounded. However, Boeing may have a hard time selling the aircraft due to customer concerns, lack of demand, and newfound issues with 787. (theexplorerblog.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
I'd fly in the U.S. on one of these with U.S. experienced pilots, and in fact look forward to it. Probably one of the most scrutinized and safe planes in the air now. I've read articles about U.S. pilots who just switched off the automation after it did not perform correctly on this plane, thinking in was op error, and flying anyway. Rapidly expanding foreign airlines with inexperienced pilots are ready for that. I get that Boeing tried to get away with something they should not have, and that is being corrected. That something is two-fold 1) forging ahead with a less-stable design, and 2) hiding it. And really 3) regulators trusting them too much? Not any more.
I would fly in a Max if operated by one of the big US airlines. From what I have read, the problem stems from Boeing being run more by accountants and finance folks rather than engineers and production folks these days. According to William Langewiesche in the New York Times (9/18/20), the Lion Air and Ethiopian Air 373 Max's were stripped down versions of the plane. The two airlines involved are bare-bones operations. Ground maintenance is horrible for those guys. The stripped down planes lacked redundant sensors and other data points that the MCAS system uses to stay pointed in the right direction. No one likes to blame pilots but this Times article states that these airlines will employ a pilot with as little as 250 flight hours. Boeing shouldn't have sold a plane without redundant sensors used by somewhat hidden software. At least the airlines in the US pay to have all the safety equipment installed, maintained and correctly piloted.
flew on them quite a few times , the Pilots love them .
To quote my departed friend (and Delta pilot Al Mondus) If it's not Boeing, I'm not going!
i suspect that the Europeans will not allow it to fly until the WTO battle between Boeing and Airbus is settled.
Ditto Dean...Airbus has a lot of skeletons in their closet-literally-but Europeans are more Inclined to overlook them so they can win their race with Boeing.