(RepublicanView.org) – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered inspections of 2,600 Boeing aircraft. The order follows numerous reports of oxygen generator malfunctions on 737 MAX and Next Generation planes. The FAA worries that generator malfunctions would cause gas mask failures in an emergency, meaning the aircraft would not meet Airworthiness Directive standards. Inspectors must examine the aircraft’s oxygen networks and correct any faults within 120 to 150 days.
In June, Boeing executives addressed the issue and asked airlines to review 737 oxygen generator restraining straps. In a bulletin to operators, Boeing stated, “We have gone back to the original adhesive for all new deliveries to ensure the generators remain firmly in place.”
The FAA order comes as Boeing faces scrutiny related to a series of issues. Another troubled year for the manufacturer began in January when a door blew off during an Alaska Airlines flight after departing from Portland, Oregon. Boeing’s share prices also fell by 25%, according to a March report.
In March, a former quality manager was scheduled to testify about alleged slack safety standards but was found dead from an apparent suicide. Hotel staff found John Barnett dead in his car, and medical officials ruled he had taken his own life with a handgun.
Weeks later, a former Spirit employee, Joshua Dean, who was also due to testify about low safety standards, died from an illness. Spirit Aerosystems manufactures parts used in Boeing planes, and Dean publicly claimed that the company fired him when he raised concerns about safety measures. He filed a complaint with the FAA.
An infection reportedly caused pneumonia and a subsequent stroke in Dean. After two weeks in critical condition, Dean died in an Oklahoma hospital. A Spirit spokesperson said the company’s prayers were with his family. Joe Buccino said Dean’s death was “stunning news.”
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