I speak government. The quotes in this article are very carefully crafted. They are "doing something" because they are required to by their bosses, but this specifically doesn't mention the Max 7 or 10 for a reason.

That was the take I had as well. I feel like if this was meant to include the -7 it would have. I will admit, I am not an expert on the issues remaining on the -7 but I "think" they are just the engine cowling issue right?

Correct. The exact same problem that is present in thousands of active aircraft flying around the world right now.
While not ideal, it is a very low probability event and there is a work around to lower the probability to near zero until they can fix the issue. Rumor has it that someone left the anti ice on for the duration of a very long flight not encountering icing conditions and there was engine cowling damage as a result. This was extrapolated into the memos that went out informing operators that they should not leave the anti ice on when not encountering or anticipating icing conditions, which sounds kind of silly, but I think most of us have realized that it is on at some point when it really shouldn't be just because we forgot.

This current event isn't going to help get the -7 certified "as is".

Even if the issue is very low probability, Optics.

Maybe they just need to to light up the Recall as a reminder if the cowls are on for 30 minutes, or however long it's safe to leave on.

Last time I looked at a Google Maps image of Moses Lake, I could make out eleven. Haven't yet looked at Victorville.

Sobering AvWeek article that pretty much confirms our worst suspicions about the indefinite timeline for -7 certification.

FAA faces tough choice on latest 737-7 exemption request

Even I (a longtime MAX optimist) have to start contemplating another option beyond the -7 for SWA....at least for the next several years. Maybe it's time for the A220?

....nawww, instead I'd look for the company (or probably Boeing!) to start ponying up for the 24-year full D-check on some of our -700s. <slow clap>

at this point I’m gonna consider it a gift from the gods of aviation misfortune if they don’t park the Max 8 for the same thing.

Im not sure the FAA would admit to the public that they had made that big of a mistake...a lot of Boeing shareholders in congress that are depending on that not happening as well haha

Is it too late for VSP?

🔥👇

I can see that happening after a cowling flies off and causes major damage and injury, and that’s not a far-fetched scenario.

Then we’re f__ked!

🔥👇