Boeing withdraws safety exemption request needed for new model certification

Boeing withdrew its request for a safety exemption for its new 737 Max aircraft after facing criticism earlier this month after an incident in which a door plug on a plane blew off.

Last year, the aircraft manufacturer told federal regulators that it would continue to ship 737 Max 7 planes to customers even though they do not meet safety standards to prevent parts of the engine housing from overheating and breaking during flight. I asked for permission to start. Associated Press reported.

Boeing’s safety efforts have come under scrutiny since a door panel on a Max 9 flight was blown off on January 5, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ground about 200 of the plane.

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), chair of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), chair of the Aviation Safety Subcommittee, last week told the FAA that Boeing requested that the request be denied. .

“Boeing continues to assure us that it will not put profits ahead of passenger safety, but its actions speak louder than words,” pilot Duckworth said. said in a statement.

“If Boeing really wants to prove that safety is a priority, it can do so by withdrawing its petition to the FAA for permission to circumvent safety standards and fly more planes with known safety defects. You can do it,” she added.

Just days after the senators’ appeal, Boeing announced Monday that it was withdrawing its request.

In an emailed statement, the company said: “The proposed time-limited exemption for this system is completed during the certification process, although we believe it follows established FAA processes to ensure safe operation. We plan to incorporate engineering solutions.”

“As always, the timing of certification will be determined by the FAA and we will follow their lead every step of the way,” they continued. “We are committed to being transparent, listening to all our stakeholders, and taking action to strengthen safety and quality at Boeing.”

The Hill has reached out to the FAA for comment.