Flawed: Why the Boeing 737 Max Should Be Permanently Grounded

The Observer ^ | May 17 2019 | Brittain Ladd

[FtrPilot]

Also, NOT every model of the 737-Max has this particular issue that 1 sensor causes input override... it is only a specific cheaper model that only used 1 sensor to decide to override pilot input. Other models used multiple sensors.... but you had to pay more for that feature.

I have to disagree. MCAS works the same in all 737 MAX aircraft...1 AOA sensor provides input to MCAS.

The features that Boeing made optional are AOD displays on the Primary Flight Display (PFD) and "AOA Disagree" warning light.

Why Boeing made these optional is a mystery.

If these features had been installed in their respective aircraft, both the Lion Air and Ethopian Airline pilots could have prevented their crash.

Boeing's proposed fix will include the AOA displays and the "AOA Disagree" light. The MCAS will be disabled if the "AOA Disagree" light comes on.

There are some additional MCAS software changes that I won't discuss here, but have been covered in other FR threads.

IMHO, if the proposed changes had been implemented in the original MCAS design, both accidents would have been avoided...Sad.

[PAR35]

The MAX 10 is a functional replacement for the mid sized 757. Cram in 230 passengers for the MAX 10, 239 for the 757 200. Yes, an upgrade of the 757 would have provided about the same result, while the higher wing would have allowed safe installation of the new engines.

[minnesota_bound]

Boeing needs a BIG RED button in the center of the instrument panel that says “Disengage auto everything” and let the pilots fly manually. If that is still possible.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

He must have one hell of an ego to write an article like that. It’d be like me writing about brain surgery.

[FtrPilot]

Or he must work for Airbus.

[Paal Gulli]

There’s no point grounding it, they just should do what Boeing should have done to begin with. Have it re-type-certified as a NOT 737.

[logi_cal869]

Agreed. The article is replete with falsehoods and inaccuracies about not only the aircraft itself, but its aerodynamics, Boeing’s real reason for MCAS & the single sensor and the cause of the two crashes.

Propaganda. I don’t care what this writer has published prior; this piece is a disgrace and those who swallow it wholesale should get their estrogen levels checked pronto.

[Captain7seas]

“Boeing’s proposed fix will include the AOA displays and the “AOA Disagree” light. The MCAS will be disabled if the “AOA Disagree” light comes on”

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Would it be impertinent of me to ask what happens if there is a failure of the AOA Disagree light?

Automatic MCAS disengagement regardless if the light works or not I assume.

[FtrPilot]

...what happens if there is a failure of the AOA Disagree light?

Actually, "AOA Disagree" is a warning message, not a light...my bad.

The "AOA Disagree" warning is displayed on the Primary Flight Display. Here's a pic that shows the AOA Display and the AOA Disagree warning:

I cannot understand why Boeing made these priced options.

[FtrPilot]

Propaganda.....this piece is a disgrace ...

In my original response, I called the article "opinion".

I should have used your words...it is propaganda and a disgrace.

[MinorityRepublican]