Grounded since 2019, the FAA approves Boeing’s 737-Max Airplanes for Flight
It has been over 20 months since a March 2019 plane crash in Ethiopia that resulted in a ban on Boeing’s 737-Max model of airplane. Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing were placed under intense scrutiny because of two deadly incidents with the specific type of aircraft. An earlier crash had occurred over the Java Sea in October 2018, when Indonesian Airlines was the airline operating the 737-Max.
This September, a committee in the House of Representatives called the two accidents’ total 346 fatalities “preventable” because the technical failures involved were the direct result of regulatory, design, and management deficiencies. The FAA, Boeing, and those responsible for oversight were investigated by Congress.
The improvements that have been made to ensure the 737-Max model will operate correctly led to the airplane receiving reapproval from the FAA. American Airlines will begin utilizing the Boeing plane at the end of December, while United and Southwest confirmed plans to utilize the vehicle in flights starting at some point in 2021. CNBC reported that travelers will be able to pick flights that aren’t flying with the 737-Max model. Global aviation authorities independently inspected the model’s enhancements before the FAA gave its approval. New crew procedures and training exercises have also been implemented to increase safety when operating the Boeing product.
—
Until Next Time,
The FedLife Podcast is your in-depth, biweekly deep dive into the world of federal benefits and retirement planning. Hosted by federal benefits expert Ed Zurndorfer and Dan Sipe of Serving Those Who Serve, each 30-minute episode unpacks the complexities of FERS and CSRS retirement, FEHB and Medicare, survivor benefits, tax planning, and more. Designed for federal employees and retirees who want more than just the basics, FedLife goes beyond the headlines to explore the rules, nuances, and strategies that can make a meaningful difference in your retirement. Remember: it’s your Fed life, make it a great one.
The Fed15 Podcast is your weekly 15(ish)-minute briefing on federal benefits and financial planning, built specifically for federal employees and retirees. Hosted by Dan Sipe and Katelyn Murray of Serving Those Who Serve, each episode delivers clear, actionable guidance on topics like FERS and CSRS retirement, TSP strategies, FEHB, survivor benefits, tax planning, and more! Whether you’re five years from retirement or already there, The Fed15 helps you cut through the noise, avoid costly mistakes, and make confident decisions about your federal benefits.
