Originally Posted by
flyguy81
Ok, then why were they dragging their feet certifying it when the data from the -7 was used to re-certify the -8? Boeing had to get an exemption from Congress for the EICAS requirement because it wasn’t certified in time. The latest production issues aren’t related to the -7 because they shut that line down long before due to delays.
I get that the issues compound and it’s not a good look for the FAA or Boeing. I just haven’t ever seen a timeline from the govt other than “it’ll be certified when we certify it” and the constant rolling Boeing delays. Unless there’s more going on…just seems to me like they want to tighten the screws because they can and because they were made to look bad after the crashes.
I hadn’t even heard about the icing issue until the RBF so AFAIK, that’s a relatively recent thing. I’m no govt agency genius but I’d think if you have the data and it checks, then you approve the request for certification vs delay indefinitely because someone’s pecker in DC got stepped on.
Honestly, I think the FAA is embarrassed and wants to make a statement. Between Boeing issues, the issues United has had over the last 13 months, plus every issue other airlines have had, the traveling public is taking a more critical approach, thus putting pressure on the FAA. If things continue down the path they are going, it's only a matter of time before a serious accident happens domestically and if nothing was done to stop it, the credibility of the FAA would be lost.
I am glad they are clamping down as the clown show has gone on long enough. I am a conservative-minded individual and love capitalism, but in certain sectors we need Big Brother to keep things in check, this being one of them. I understand what you are saying from a logical perspective, but I don't think this has anything to do with logic and is more about slamming on the brakes regardless of any sort of sense, again something I don't fully disagree with.