B737 Max Re-Certified:

The FAA approved the Boeing 737 Max to fly again after extensive investigations. Here’s why Boeing’s culture went unchecked

PUBLISHED WED, DEC 9 20207:30 AM EST

José Sepulveda@JOSESEPULVEDATV

Leslie Josephs@LESLIEJOSEPHS

WATCH NOW

VIDEO13:10

Why the Boeing 737 Max is flying again

KEY POINTS

· After 20 months of grounding following two crashes that killed 346 people, the FAA is allowing the jet to fly again.

· Self-regulation was one of the biggest controversies that prolonged the crisis.

After two deadly crashes that took 346 lives and a worldwide grounding that lasted almost two years, the Federal Aviation Administration and regulators across the world are giving the Boeing 737 Max jets the green light to fly again.

In the U.S., Boeing has been investigated by both chambers of Congress and well as the Justice Department and the SEC into software updates, certification, pilot training and more.

One of the most controversial topics in those investigations is the idea of self-regulation and certification.

Boeing employees were able to certify some aspects of the Boeing 737 Max plane, but that sort of self-regulation is not uncommon in much of the federal government, especially when it comes to agencies that regulate a single industry, like the FAA and its Organization Designation Authorization.

“Congress realized that you couldn’t grow an FAA to the size with monetary resources and manpower resources necessary to put people in every manufacturing facility,” said former NTSB senior investigator Greg Feith. “So they allowed these designated representatives based on qualifications and experience to represent the FAA, the administrator inside the organization they oversee.”

He added: “The problem with the program over the years, of course, is that you develop a relationship, just like the FAA develops a relationship with the air carriers. You can’t just go in there and long arm of the law and beat them. You try to work with them.”

After grueling hearings on Capitol Hill, the day before the final ruling from the FAA, the House unanimously passed a bill by voice vote that reforms the plane certification process.

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/08/the-faa-approved-the-boeing-737-max-to-fly-again.html

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Delta Golden Wings presents the
2020 Youth Aviation Program Scholarship

Dear PCN Subscribers,

Here is information about our scholarship winner this year,

Thank you,

Delta Golden Wings Board of Directors

The Candler Field Youth Aviation Program

In 2013, the Candler Field Museum’s board of directors established the Candler Field Youth Aviation Program (YAP). The purpose is to share knowledge of aircraft-related subjects with young people having a keen interest in pursuing an aviation career. A yearly banquet recognizes the accomplishments of the young participants. This year, following Covid-19 recommendations, in lieu of the usual banquet, the 2020 awards ceremony was held on October 17 in the outdoor space fronting the Candler Field Museum’s hangar at the Ron Alexander Memorial Airport, Williamson, Georgia. Tables and chairs, a raised speaker platform, and box lunches were set up and served to about one hundred attendees. Learn More About the Candler Aviation Museum Youth Aviation Program

Museum Members, relatives and friends enjoy a COVID -19 social distancing
picnic prior to the awards.

The Delta Golden Wings Scholarship

Becoming an airline pilot requires commitment and perseverance. As encouragement Delta Golden Wings membership approved a $1500 annual scholarship program in 2018 for a five-year test period. A recipient will demonstrate a strong desire to become a pilot along with their intention of earning a college degree. The scholarship is to help a deserving YAP student obtain the private pilot certificate. The individual will receive $500 after soloing, $500 after passing the FAA written exam and $500 once the private pilot certificate is received. The first recipient was Ellie McGinnis in 2019; the second is Logan Parker, this year. DGW is proud to encourage these two fine young people on their pathways to careers in aviation.

Jim Hoogerwerf, representing Delta Golden Wings, made these comments:

“Delta Golden Wings is a fraternal organization of Delta pilots. In 2018 the membership approved a scholarship for a deserving candidate in the Youth Aviation Program. The scholarship is awarded annually to encourage young men and women to strive for a career in aviation. Education is important too. Therefore, the recipient will have a strong desire to become a pilot with the intention of earning a college degree. The first scholarship was awarded in 2019 to Ellie McGinnis.”

“This year’s recipient is Logan Parker, a senior at East Coweta High School in Sharpsburg, GA. Logan was bitten by the aviation bug and has made extraordinary strides in pursuing his ultimate objective to become an airline pilot. He has dedicated almost 450 hours to YAP, kept his GPA in the top 5% of his class, while participating in track and cross country, and working part time jobs. He is well on his way toward his private license. He has passed his written exam and soloed. Logan will pursue a degree in Aviation Science and Management at Middle State Georgia University.”

“Flight training and education are important objectives. But, the Youth Aviation Program offers more. It builds character...it encourages characteristics such as honesty, excellence, and pride; respect for all no matter their background; and a willingness to engage cooperatively with others to achieve personal ends. These traits are especially important in aviation where trust in the work of others is a matter of life and death.”

“It is an honor for Julian and I, representing Delta Golden Wings, to join with you here today in ensuring the transfer of aviation skills and knowledge to the next generation. Accordingly, it gives us great pleasure to award the 2020 DGW $1500 scholarship to Logan Parker. "Congratulations, Logan!"

Julian Black, Logan and Jim Hoogerwerf

Logan’s update:, “Flying is going well; a combination of weather and scheduling has slowed progress a little, but it’s still coming along. I’m currently at around 37 flight hours with most of my dual and a lot of solo hours complete. My next goal is to get my 3 hours of night done.”