Boeing 737 Max Still Grounded
written by 10316 Shin Jaeyong
What happened?
This newest model was introduced to replace the Boeing 737 NG. The Boeing 737 MAX is thought to be more fuel-efficient and have a longer distance capability than its predecessor. The new technology was about new engines, new aerodynamic winglets, and the new MCAS system to compete against the Airbus’s A320 NEO.
The new engine is the CFM Leap-1B engine, which was the CFM 56-7 engine on the older generation. Typically, the new engine is more fuel-efficient. The MCAS system automatically controls the plane’s nose if the aircraft is too high or low while flying in high altitudes. It was made to help the pilots, but it was the actual problem.
The sensor on the MCAS system of the 737 MAX was not adequately organized. So that made the planes head toward the ground.
Tragedy and Redemption
This model entered service in 2017 with this problem. Eventually, two Boeing 737 MAX has crashed. As a result, 346 people died due to the system.
Boeing paid a settlement for the lives lost. The flight investigators sought to fix the problem to it not happening again.
Two years have passed since then, and still, no 737 MAX are flying around the world.
Some airlines like Jeju Airlines from Korea or Vietjet Airlines from Vietnam ordered tens of 737 MAX due to discounts on buying the same planes in large numbers. Those airlines are panicking and losing money.
The silver lining is that airline services are in a COVID-19 situation, making people stay home instead of traveling around the world. The airlines didn’t need the same amount of the plane when they were busy. Their main models were recalled, so that can be a lot for those low-cost airlines.
There are still some questions that need to be addressed: When will the 737 MAX be ready to fly again? Will it be safe enough to fly next time? Wouldn’t passengers be frightened to travel on it?
These questions must be solved for the 737 MAX to enter service again.
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