Boeing: What could possibly go wrong?
Summary
This episode provides a "shallow splash" into the Boeing 737 MAX disaster, tracing how a shift from engineering-led management to cost-focused corporate culture led to the creation of the flawed MCAS software. The hosts discuss internal emails revealing that engineers warned of safety risks, but executives concealed the system from pilots to avoid expensive retraining and maintain sales. They highlight how Boeing bamboozled regulators with technical jargon and self-certification to bypass necessary safety checks, ultimately prioritizing profit over passenger safety.
Topics discussed
Announcement of new live show 'Hard Stop'
Ticket pre-sale details and listener reactions
Introduction to Boeing 737 MAX episode
Sponsor: Lowe's Black Friday deals
Boeing's corporate values and annual reports
Boeing's engineering heritage and leadership
The McDonnell Douglas merger and MBA management
Airbus competition and the 737 MAX strategy
Cost-cutting pressures and production schedules
Technical challenges of the new engine design
The MCAS software solution and pilot training
Sponsor: Citizens Bank
Internal emails and regulator communication tactics
Chief technical pilot's warnings and sales pitch
MCAS redesign and safety concerns
Corporate culture and internal criticism
The crashes and lessons on testing
Sponsor: Gusto payroll software
Conclusion and call for reviews
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