An FAA draft directive set for publication Feb. 26 calls for Boeing 737 MAXs to undergo inspections and modifications before further flight to ensure engine-control wiring has adequate protection from electromagnetic interference.
The FAA is tightening its oversight of Southwest Airlines and plans to implement 11 recommendations made in a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) audit that concluded the agency’s surveillance of the Dallas-based carrier did not follow its regulations.
FAA is advancing a construct based on third-party UAS Service Suppliers—rather than air traffic controllers—providing flight authorization, traffic deconfliction and other services.
Boeing plans to re-start 737 MAX production “months” before the FAA approves it to fly again, which could be as soon as early spring based on the company’s newest estimate, Boeing president and CEO Dave Calhoun said.
The FAA issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) the evening of Jan. 7 prohibiting U.S. civil aircraft operators from using airspace over Iraq, Iran, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
U.S. President Donald Trump is poised to sign into law a spending package that will send $17.6 billion to the FAA for fiscal 2020 and reauthorize the U.S. Export-Import Bank for seven years.
FAA Administrator Steve Dickson suggested Boeing improve the “quality and timeliness” of information it is providing the agency to support getting the 737 MAX back into service, part of a larger message that Boeing’s efforts should focus on meeting regulatory demands, not influencing the process.
Southwest Airlines will share $125 million with employees as part of a deal struck with Boeing that covers part of what the airline is losing because of the 737 MAX groundings, the carrier said Dec. 12.
