Counterfeit titanium found in Boeing and Airbus jets is a matter of serious concern that exposes the vulnerabilities in the aerospace industry’s supply chain. As someone who has encountered counterfeit titanium in the past, I can attest to the critical importance of using the correct grade of titanium, especially when it comes to manufacturing components for jets. This issue highlights the quality fade phenomenon where suppliers attempt to cut costs by substituting inferior materials, hoping that they will go unnoticed. However, as in the case of Boeing and Airbus, these counterfeit parts are inevitably discovered, putting the safety and reliability of the aircraft at risk.… Continue reading
As a space enthusiast, the recent news of Boeing calling off a historic mission carrying two astronauts just minutes before liftoff was certainly disappointing. However, after learning about the intricate details of what triggered the scrub, I can’t help but appreciate the prioritization of safety in such high-stakes missions.
The fact that Boeing didn’t call off the launch, but rather the launch computer did, showcases a commitment to following safety protocols and ensuring that all systems are functioning optimally before allowing astronauts to embark on such a monumental journey. The intricacy of the launch control system, with redundant computers and stringent checks in place, underscores the gravity of the situation and the need to err on the side of caution.… Continue reading
As I sit here processing the news of the Charleston Police releasing the investigation report of the Boeing whistleblower’s death, my mind races with a myriad of thoughts and emotions. The raw details of the incident, as outlined in the press release and coroner’s report, paint a grim picture of a suicide by gunshot. The security footage from the hotel, capturing the moments leading up to the tragedy, provides a chilling glimpse into the final hours of a man who felt compelled to speak out against corporate wrongdoing.
During my engineering studies, the notion of whistleblowing being a career suicide was ingrained in us.… Continue reading
Boeing reached a $2.5 billion settlement with the Justice Department in January 2021 to avoid prosecution on a single charge of fraud. Imagine being a billion-dollar company and facing serious consequences for your actions, but then being able to pay your way out of trouble. It seems absurd that such a large corporation can essentially buy their way out of accountability for their role in the tragic crashes of the 737 Max aircraft.
The fact that the government agreed not to prosecute Boeing for defrauding the United States by deceiving regulators is troubling. Shouldn’t a company that puts profit over safety regulations and policies be held accountable for the loss of human lives resulting from their negligence?… Continue reading
My heart sank when I read about the tragic passing of whistleblower Joshua Dean, who raised concerns about improperly drilled holes in the fuselage of Boeing 737 Max jets. Dean, only 45 years old, had been a former quality auditor at a key Boeing supplier. His family announced his death on social media, revealing that he had been diagnosed with a MRSA bacterial infection and had quickly fallen into critical condition.
It is truly devastating to hear about Dean’s sudden decline in health, especially considering he was described as a very healthy individual who took great care of himself. It is unimaginable to think that someone who was so diligent about his well-being could be struck down by such a severe illness.… Continue reading
The recent news of the Boeing CEO stepping down has left many with mixed emotions. While it may seem like a significant move, the fact that he will still be around until the end of the year raises questions about the timing and the real impact of his departure on the company. Additionally, the immediate removal of the CEO of the Commercial division adds another layer of complexity to the situation. It’s clear that these changes are meant to shake things up, but will they truly address the underlying issues at Boeing?
The comments about the CEO receiving a golden parachute upon his exit highlight a common theme in corporate America – top executives walking away with millions even after making grave mistakes that impact the company’s reputation and, in Boeing’s case, public safety.… Continue reading
I can’t help but feel a sense of unease and concern when I read about incidents like the recent one involving a United plane apparently losing an external panel mid-flight after taking off from SFO. It’s disconcerting to think that something as crucial as a panel could detach from an aircraft while it’s in the air. The implications of such an event are quite alarming, to say the least.
When I consider the age of the aircraft in question, a 25-year-old Boeing 737-800, it raises questions about maintenance practices and protocols. The fact that panels falling off of planes isn’t particularly uncommon, and is often attributed to operator maintenance, is definitely cause for reflection.… Continue reading
This situation with Boeing and the US safety agency is truly mind-boggling. The fact that a video of door-plug removal was overwritten is suspicious at best. As an aircraft mechanic who works on Boeings, not for Boeing, I can attest to the meticulous documentation and records kept in the airline industry. The scale of work performed on these planes should generate a great deal of documentation, as safety and compliance are paramount.
When the NTSB chair, Jennifer Homendy, mentioned that Boeing failed to disclose documents and the names of workers involved in the door-plug opening and closing, it raised a red flag.… Continue reading
The DOJ has opened a criminal investigation into the Alaska Airlines 737 blowout, and the details that have emerged are truly shocking. Boeing has refused to identify employees working on door panels and has failed to provide documentation about repair work, leading to concerns about its quality assurance and safety management systems. The fact that records for work on the door panel of the Alaska Airlines plane cannot be found is deeply concerning. This lack of documentation raises serious questions about the integrity of Boeing’s manufacturing processes and adherence to safety standards. It’s alarming to think that corners may have been cut to save costs, potentially compromising the safety of passengers and aircraft.… Continue reading
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.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker