By John Q. Hosedrinker As I read the news about the Alaska Airlines 737 possibly leaving the Boeing factory missing bolts, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of shock, frustration, and disappointment. It’s truly fortunate that no lives were lost on that flight, but it’s clear that luck shouldn’t be the driving force behind our safety in the skies.
One of the recurring themes that stood out to me in this story is the issue of cost-cutting and layoffs. Throughout my career in production facilities in the automotive industry, I’ve witnessed firsthand how companies often prioritize reducing the number of employees and implementing automated systems over investing in a strong workforce. This mindset trickles down to quality control, where the focus is often on using technology like cameras rather than relying on human workers to detect issues. This approach, combined with the use of temporary employees who may not have a strong command of English, creates a recipe for disaster.
The merger and acquisition culture that has dominated our economy is also partly to blame. When companies like Boeing become an accounting institution rather than a reliable aerospace manufacturer, corners are bound to be cut. The lack of domestic competition and the consolidation of the industry into mono- and oligopolies have left little room for accountability and have allowed these critical oversights to occur.
The comments from individuals who have worked within or closely with Boeing emphasize a troubling lack of proper vetting and training. It’s concerning to learn that anyone can be hired, even if they lack the necessary skills and qualifications. This seems like a fundamental flaw in the hiring process and raises questions about the company’s commitment to maintaining high standards.
One particular comment brings up the issue of profit and stock buybacks. It’s disheartening to think that companies may prioritize short-term financial gains over ensuring the safety and reliability of their products. As consumers, we put our trust in these companies when we board their planes, and incidents like this erode that trust.
Ultimately, the responsibility lies with Boeing. Even if another company was involved in repairing the nonconformity, it was Boeing’s duty to ensure that the aircraft was delivered in a safe and airworthy condition. Whether the bolts were put back on by the repairing company or not, it is Boeing’s quality control that should have caught the error.
The fact that this incident happened is simply unacceptable. Robust quality control measures should be in place to detect such crucial errors before an aircraft leaves the factory. It’s mind-boggling to think that the presence or absence of four extra retaining bolts and castle nuts went unnoticed. This failure reflects a lack of attention to detail and a disregard for the lives of those who will be flying in these planes.
As a frequent traveler, it’s disconcerting to hear about these kinds of oversights. The aviation industry should prioritize safety above all else. Trust in the aviation industry is at stake when incidents like this occur, and it’s crucial for companies like Boeing to address these issues head-on and work to regain the confidence of the traveling public.
In the end, I hope that lessons are learned from this incident and that necessary changes are made within Boeing and the wider aviation industry to prevent such oversights from happening again. Our lives shouldn’t be dependent on luck when we step onto an airplane.