Exclusive: Boeing withdraws bid for safety exemption for Boeing 737 MAX 7
https://apple.news/ADtNTsbqgSxK638w8ecT37Q

Now what?

Seems like Boeing came up with something better than an exemption...

Boeing said late on Monday "while we are confident that the proposed time-limited exemption for that system follows established FAA processes to ensure safe operation, we will instead incorporate an engineering solution that will be completed during the certification process."

I was wondering why it was a better solution to design and make all new engine nacelles rather than just installing ice detectors and a AI switch with an "auto" setting.

Up to a two year delay in certification. Theres no political at the moment will to offer Boeing a safety exemption for the Max and they know it.

Either way it’s at least a 2 year delay in certification. But yes, the “windshield wiper nut” is a really Mickey Mouse ice detector considering actual ice detectors have been in use on airplanes with EICAS since the 1990s.

In the latest SWAPA Number Podcast Case said they were talking about threats to our careers including M&A activity. We are too big to merge with just about anybody, but I wouldn’t be surprised in the least if headquarters wasn’t crossing their fingers and hoping for a Spirit liquidation so they can swoop in and pick up the pieces including a narrowbody replacement for the -7 … (although I think they only have about 15 Airbus 319s, so maybe not.)

because if you change anything it's a whole new type certificate. That's what is wrong. You should have to re certify the entire plane if you change a minor detail.
the FAA is the gov on steroids. Way too much involvement.

Their 319s are OLD and about to be retired. They only have 320 & 321 NEOs on order so neither of those are a proper replacement for the MAX 7 size wise.

the 319 has a little known LR variant with a 4500nm range and would be perfect.

Boeing proves we need more government oversight, not less. Boeing can't be trusted to even make minor changes without FAA certification.

Do you really think the government standing over Boeing’s shoulder verifying that every nut has been torqued is really the answer? All that’s going to do is increase costly delays and make the entire industry less safe and less efficient. While they should be working on a 797, they’re busy spending half a decade trying to get a 737 certified.

The real answer would be to let the free market fix it. If Boeing is threatened with actually losing huge market share to Airbus or even Embraer, they would be motivated to fix everything themselves or go bankrupt. If an airline like Southwest even placed an order with Airbus…or better yet, Embraer, and turned the Duopoly into a Triopoly, it would be the best thing that ever happened to the aviation industry. More choice would mean more efficiency, cheaper prices, better quality, faster production, etc….

Government control is never the answer.