Boeing 737 Max Safety: My Perspective and Analysis

With the recent tragic crashes of two Boeing 737 Max planes, the safety of this aircraft model has come under scrutiny. Many questions have been raised, and opinions are divided. In this article, I share my views on the safety of Boeing 737 Max planes and the controversial factors surrounding them.

Trust in Boeing 737 Max

I absolutely trust Boeing 737 Max planes. The accidents that occurred were due to gross pilot errors by two third-world airlines, which are known for their less stringent safety measures. Therefore, the problems do not reflect the capabilities or design flaws of the aircraft itself.

While I trust the Boeing 737 Max, if I had to choose between an airline that flies Boeings and one that flies Airbuses, other things being equal, I would choose the Airbuses. The reason is that Airbus is often associated with higher safety standards and better overall performance.

The Role of Engineers in Boeing

There is concern that Boeing has been taken over by "financial engineers" rather than real engineers, which has led to a series of design and operational issues. However, it is vital to remember that these issues are largely due to human error rather than systematic design flaws.

Max Crashes Post-Protocol Adjustments

The Max crashes were related to a design problem that has now been fixed. It is reasonable to assume that the current design of the Max does not create any more risk than any other airplane. One striking incident was the discovery by a door plug installer who failed to tighten four bolts, which fortunately did not result in any loss of life.

The incident with the door plug on one aircraft serves as a wake-up call. However, this was a one-off event, and it should not be assumed as indicative of a broader, widespread problem. Given that millions of people fly on Boeing aircraft every day without incident, it is more likely that the bolt issue was an isolated incident rather than a systemic flaw.

Complexity and Safety in Aircraft

Airplanes are extremely complex machines, and it is impossible to predict every potential issue. Manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus are continually investigating and addressing such issues through Service Bulletins (SB) and Airworthiness Directives (AD), which are thoroughly analyzed and implemented.

There is a misconception that complex systems, including those in everyday use like cars and phones, are infallible. In reality, recalls on cars, phones, and other electronic devices are common due to unexpected issues or design flaws. However, these recalls do not prevent people from using these devices, and air travel remains the safest mode of transportation.

The recent incident at Alaska Airlines, which prompted the inspection of 171 out of 1445 MAX 9 aircraft, was an isolated inspection issue. All aircraft, regardless of manufacturer, are subject to constant scrutiny and maintenance checks. The fact that the FAA approved the return of all affected aircraft to service should not be overlooked.

The Media and Public Perception

Given the rash of news stories and constant media attention, it is easy to overlook the actual safety of Boeing aircraft. The news media often sensationalizes issues to attract viewers, leading to a distorted public perception of the safety of the aircraft.

It is important to recognize that while Boeing inspection protocols and practices need improvement, there is no real threat to air safety. The 9695 Boeing aircraft are conducting close to 5 million trips per year without incident, and ongoing improvements ensure that they remain safe.

Future Confidence and Trust

While concerns over safety are valid, they should not outweigh confidence in the capabilities of Boeing as a manufacturer. Boeing's aircraft are ordered by some of the industry's most informed and experienced individuals, and the orders for new aircraft are primarily focused on the need for timely deliveries rather than safety concerns.

Boeing is known for its stringent safety protocols and the training of highly experienced pilots. The belief that tens of thousands of Boeing pilots would not show up for work if they thought the planes were unsafe is a strong indication of the safety culture within the industry.

There is a growing order backlog with over 5500 Boeing aircraft on order worldwide over the next ten years. This indicates that the aircraft continue to be in demand by airlines with a keen eye for the most efficient and reliable models.

High Cost Carriers like Ryanair and Southwest, often criticized for their cost-saving measures, continue to rely on Boeing aircraft, further testament to their trust in the safety and efficiency of the 737 Max.

In conclusion, while there is no denying the importance of ongoing safety improvements and stringent inspections, the Boeing 737 Max remains one of the safest aircraft in the world. Trust in Boeing and its aircraft is well-founded, and my wife and I felt no hesitation in choosing to fly on a 737 Max following their recent inspection.