Boeing is adding weekly compliance checks to all work areas on its 737 aircraft and additional audits of equipment to reduce quality issues, the company said in a memo to employees on Tuesday.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stan Diehl has revealed numerous internal process deficiencies following a six-week Federal Aviation Administration audit of Boeing’s 737 MAX manufacturing process. The memo I received and published. The FAA has curtailed Boeing’s production following an in-flight panel rupture on Alaska Airlines’ new 737 MAX 9 aircraft on January 5th.
“Our teams are working to simplify and streamline processes and address the committee’s recommendations,” the memo said, adding that employees should be aware of safety hazards and follow manufacturing processes accurately. he pointed out. “We will not hesitate to shut down production lines or hold planes in place.”
The memo was released a day after FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker revealed details of an audit that found numerous quality issues, and said the planemaker had to ensure that its employees “have the proper tools and training and that they are properly designed.” You have to have the drawings and have them assemble the aircraft in the proper order…this is really a factory.” Floor hygiene. ”
Diehl said FAA inspectors took a deep look into the 737 Renton plant in January and February to audit production and quality control, and that “the vast majority of audit noncompliances indicate that approved processes and procedures were not followed.” “It is related to the fact that there is no such thing,” he said.
Weekly compliance checks on the 737 worksite began March 1, and Boeing is dedicating time each shift for mechanics to complete compliance and foreign debris cleanup.
Boeing is also auditing its entire toolbox, removing tools that are not fully compliant, and plans to conduct additional 737 program audits to ensure full compliance.
Diehl said workers are required to “accurately follow every step of our manufacturing procedures and processes.” These are designed to ensure conformance to specifications and compliance with regulatory requirements. ”
Diehl also told Spirit AeroSystems that Boeing has “introduced additional inspection points at its facility in Wichita.” Therefore, since March 1, local teams have been ensuring the quality of first passes before the aircraft is shipped to Renton. ”
