The Boeing 737 MAX Jets: A Timeline of Events
The Boeing 737 MAX jets have been the subject of much controversy since their introduction in 2017. The aircraft has been involved in two fatal crashes, leading to the grounding of the entire fleet in March 2019. Since then, airlines and regulators have been taking action to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
The Lion Air Crash
The first crash involving a Boeing 737 MAX jet occurred on October 29, 2018, when a Lion Air flight crashed into the Java Sea shortly after takeoff from Jakarta, Indonesia. All 189 people on board were killed. The investigation into the crash revealed that the aircraft had an issue with its Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), which was designed to prevent the aircraft from stalling. The system was activated due to incorrect data from a faulty angle of attack sensor, causing the aircraft to dive.
The Ethiopian Airlines Crash
The second crash involving a Boeing 737 MAX jet occurred on March 10, 2019, when an Ethiopian Airlines flight crashed shortly after takeoff from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. All 157 people on board were killed. The investigation into the crash revealed that the aircraft had the same issue with its MCAS system as the Lion Air flight. The system was activated due to incorrect data from a faulty angle of attack sensor, causing the aircraft to dive.
The Grounding of the Fleet
In the wake of the two crashes, the Boeing 737 MAX fleet was grounded worldwide. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was the first to ground the aircraft, followed by other aviation authorities around the world. The grounding of the fleet was a major blow to Boeing, as the 737 MAX was its best-selling aircraft.
The Return to Service
In November 2020, the FAA approved Boeing’s plan to return the 737 MAX to service. The plan included changes to the aircraft’s software, training, and maintenance procedures. The FAA also required airlines to conduct additional simulator training for pilots before they could fly the aircraft.
Airlines Resuming Operations
In December 2020, the first airlines began to resume operations with the Boeing 737 MAX. American Airlines was the first to do so, followed by United Airlines and Southwest Airlines. The airlines have implemented additional safety measures, such as requiring two pilots in the cockpit at all times and additional training for pilots.
Regulators Taking Action
In the wake of the two crashes, regulators around the world have taken action to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. The FAA has implemented new regulations for the design and certification of aircraft, as well as new requirements for pilot training and maintenance. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has also implemented new regulations, including a requirement for airlines to conduct additional simulator training for pilots before they can fly the aircraft.
The Future of the Boeing 737 MAX
The future of the Boeing 737 MAX is uncertain. The aircraft has been grounded for over a year, and it remains to be seen how long it will take for airlines to regain the public’s trust. The aircraft has been the subject of much scrutiny, and regulators around the world are taking steps to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. Only time will tell if the Boeing 737 MAX will be able to make a successful return to service.