Ever since the crash of Ethiopian Airlines flight ET302, there has been a huge furore over the Boeing 737 MAX. With calls from all quarters to ground the aircraft, it was only a matter of time before the 737 MAX was completely stopped from flying.
Debris from the JT610 Crash
WHAT LED TO THE GROUNDING OF THE MAX?
Two completely fatal crashes brought the prospects of the aircraft crashing down. On 29th October 2018, Lion Air flight number JT610 crashed 12 minutes after takeoff, killing all 189 on board. Most recently, Ethiopian Airlines flight ET302 crashed 6 minutes after takeoff, killing all 157 on board. Due to possible safety issues, all governing bodies for aviation across the world have grounded the aircraft.
Crash site of ET302
WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE MAX?
All fingers point to the MCAS system on the 737 MAX. MCAS stands for Maneuver Characteristics Augmentation system and is a standard fixture on the MAX aircraft. It is used to prevent stall during low speed, nose up flight. The engines on the 737 MAX are installed higher and further forward compared to other 737 models. This placement caused an upward pitching movement. To pass certain certifications, Boeing installed the MCAS to counter the upward pitching movement. The MCAS automatically applies downward trim during steep turns, or when the angle of attack exceeds a certain limit. In the latter case, MCAS engages without notifying the pilot. This could well be the reason for the crashes.
HOW DOES THIS AFFECT BOEING?
At a time when demand for narrow body planes is increasing, this is the worst thing that could happen to Boeing. The optics of these events could have a damning effect on them, possibly ruining the 737's reputation for reliability for the forseeable future. Boeing's stock has crashed, wiping off almost $28 Billion worth of the value from the company. They will possibly have to pay a princely sum as compensation to 737 MAX operators across the world. With Garuda Indonesia mulling the cancellation of their order of 50 MAX aircraft, these might just be the beginning of Boeing's woes. With flyers actively avoiding the aircraft in question, it will be hard to predict as to when pax will be comfortable flying the MAX again.
INDIA'S REACTION TO THIS -
SpiceJet B737 MAX
Day before yesterday, the DGCA with great reluctance decided to ground the MAX and has denied it overflight permission as well. India has 2 MAX operators - Jet Airways and SpiceJet. As we know, Jet's aircraft are grounded due to non payment of dues to lessors. Meanwhile SpiceJet has grounded all 12 of their MAX aircraftafter flying as many pax as possible even though they were past the deadline immediately. This has led to cancellation of about 30 flights a day for them. I admire the government's grit to take a decision which would affect one 'Spicy' airline, which is their favourite ;)
WHAT LED TO THE GROUNDING OF THE MAX?
Two completely fatal crashes brought the prospects of the aircraft crashing down. On 29th October 2018, Lion Air flight number JT610 crashed 12 minutes after takeoff, killing all 189 on board. Most recently, Ethiopian Airlines flight ET302 crashed 6 minutes after takeoff, killing all 157 on board. Due to possible safety issues, all governing bodies for aviation across the world have grounded the aircraft.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE MAX?
All fingers point to the MCAS system on the 737 MAX. MCAS stands for Maneuver Characteristics Augmentation system and is a standard fixture on the MAX aircraft. It is used to prevent stall during low speed, nose up flight. The engines on the 737 MAX are installed higher and further forward compared to other 737 models. This placement caused an upward pitching movement. To pass certain certifications, Boeing installed the MCAS to counter the upward pitching movement. The MCAS automatically applies downward trim during steep turns, or when the angle of attack exceeds a certain limit. In the latter case, MCAS engages without notifying the pilot. This could well be the reason for the crashes.
HOW DOES THIS AFFECT BOEING?
At a time when demand for narrow body planes is increasing, this is the worst thing that could happen to Boeing. The optics of these events could have a damning effect on them, possibly ruining the 737's reputation for reliability for the forseeable future. Boeing's stock has crashed, wiping off almost $28 Billion worth of the value from the company. They will possibly have to pay a princely sum as compensation to 737 MAX operators across the world. With Garuda Indonesia mulling the cancellation of their order of 50 MAX aircraft, these might just be the beginning of Boeing's woes. With flyers actively avoiding the aircraft in question, it will be hard to predict as to when pax will be comfortable flying the MAX again.
INDIA'S REACTION TO THIS -
Day before yesterday, the DGCA with great reluctance decided to ground the MAX and has denied it overflight permission as well. India has 2 MAX operators - Jet Airways and SpiceJet. As we know, Jet's aircraft are grounded due to non payment of dues to lessors. Meanwhile SpiceJet has grounded all 12 of their MAX aircraft
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