U.S. Reps. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Rick Larsen (D-WA), chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation, recently announced the committees are seeking records from The Boeing Co. and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on issues regarding the Boeing 737 MAX.
The congressmen also sought records in April 2019, following two 737 MAX crashes that resulted in the deaths of 346 people.
The resulting investigation resulted in a 238-page report and bipartisan legislation to overhaul the FAA’s certification process. The Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act was signed into law in December and is being implemented by the FAA.
Recently, new issues have been revealed that indicate quality control problems and the FAA’s ability to properly oversee both production facilities. More than 100 737 MAX aircraft were grounded in April after Boeing identified an electrical power system defect.
“Congress has an obligation to the 346 victims of the two Boeing 737 MAX crashes and their families, as well as the traveling public, to ensure U.S. aviation remains the global gold standard in safety,” Larsen said.
The congressmen ask Boeing and the FAA to provide records regarding production-related issues and the FAA’s oversight of Boeing’s manufacturing operations and respond to questions.