Jack Ohman for March 13, 2019

It took a long time to figure out the engineering flaw that tore the original DeHavland Comets apart, but crash forensics are gotten much more sophisticated so hopefully it will move more quickly. Since they have both flight recorders, I’m betting there will be a strong evidence of an systemic fault – mechanical or software. Personally I’ll be booking to avoid the model until it’s resolved.

But do remember that there are a lot of flavors of the Boeing 737 with long established, good safety records. Variations of the 737 have been flying since the late 60s.

The one to be wary of is the Boeing 737 Max 8. Something is amiss with that line.

But, of course NO ONE ever crashed a 707, or a 727, or a 747! Or a DC-8, or a DC-10, or an L-1011! Oh, wait…

I only fly Australian, New Zealand, Japan, Canadian, USA , German and British based airlines. They have fewer maintenance problems and fewer crashes due to improper/inadequate service.

Boeing wouldn’t comment Tuesday on the delayed FAA discussions, but the company did confirm the upcoming changes to its MAX aircraft. They are expected to come sometime in April.

According to the WSJ, US officials have also blamed part of the delay on this year’s government shutdown — saying it halted work for at least five weeks.

Be no problem if folk would abide by the “airplane mode” on their electronics when asked to do so.

No way, baby

These planes have been maintained by mechanics in countries which have standards that are rather lax. It’s not impossible that the problem lies there, not with the plane itself.

Gonna be a while. Those birds don’t fly.

But McNuts talks to the Boeing prez and is assured that all is well so-hey-get on the plane and shut up! As if navigating an airport isn’t bad enough.

Yeah, but do their air bags explode and spray shrapnel all over the place (and all into people…..)?

Speaking of birds: “As God is my witness, I thought those turkey planes could fly!”

So, the US has now grounded the 737 MAX as has Canada. Good call. Better safe.

The advantage of having immediate “black box” recovery. It’s now critical for Boeing to figure this out fast.

Well done Jack! The FAA ostrich is a nice touch.