Former Boeing Manager Walks Off Flight After Realizing It Was A 737 MAX 9

Simple Flying
12 Mar 202403:43
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRFormer Boeing senior manager Ed Pierson, with inside knowledge of the 737 MAX's production issues, refused to fly on the aircraft, walking off an Alaska Airlines flight in 2023 upon discovering it was a MAX 9. Despite rebooking efforts and a delay, Pierson prioritized safety over convenience, reflecting ongoing concerns about the MAX series' reputation. As Executive Director of the Foundation for Aviation Safety, he continues to advocate for aviation safety, highlighting the industry's need for transparency and accountability.

Takeaways
  • 😨 An Alaska Airlines 737 MAX experienced a door blowout mid-flight, causing global shock.
  • 🚫 Former Boeing senior manager, Ed Pierson, vowed never to fly on the 737 MAX series due to safety concerns.
  • 🛫 Pierson walked off a flight in 2023 after discovering it was operated by a 737 MAX 9, despite booking a different model.
  • 🔍 Pierson's decision was based on his knowledge of issues with the MAX series, stemming from his time at Boeing.
  • 🛑 Pierson had previously raised concerns about the MAX's production environment and safety to his supervisors at Boeing.
  • ✈️ Pierson was rebooked on a different flight, preferring to wait hours rather than fly on the MAX.
  • 🏆 Pierson worked at Boeing for a decade, including three years as a 737 Program Senior Manager.
  • 🚁 Pierson recommended halting MAX production before two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, but was ignored.
  • 🛑 The MAX series' reputation has been tainted, with heightened passenger concerns following recent incidents.
  • 🏛 Pierson is now the Executive Director of the Foundation for Aviation Safety, advocating for public awareness on aviation safety.
  • 📰 Simple Flying provides daily updates and articles on aviation news and insights for those interested in the latest industry developments.
Q & A

  • What was the incident involving an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX that shocked the world?

    -The incident referred to is the door of an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX blowing out mid-flight earlier this year.

  • Why did Ed Pierson, a former Boeing senior manager, refuse to fly on the 737 MAX family of aircraft?

    -Ed Pierson had concerns about the safety of the 737 MAX family of aircraft due to issues he was aware of during his tenure at Boeing, which led him to decide not to fly on these aircraft.

  • What did Pierson do when he discovered that his Alaska Airlines flight was operated by a 737 MAX 9?

    -Pierson walked off the flight after realizing it was operated by a 737 MAX 9, despite initially booking a flight that was supposed to be operated by a different aircraft.

  • How did Pierson ensure he would not fly on a MAX aircraft initially?

    -Pierson intentionally booked a flight that was scheduled to be operated by a 737-800 or -900ER, which are variants of the 737NG series, not the MAX.

  • What was Pierson's reaction when he realized the flight equipment had been changed to a MAX 9?

    -Upon boarding and noticing the MAX designation on the emergency card, Pierson got up and walked off the aircraft, speaking to a crew member at the door.

  • How did Alaska Airlines handle Pierson's refusal to fly on the MAX 9?

    -Alaska Airlines staff rebooked Pierson on a red-eye flight operated by a different plane that evening after he expressed his concerns.

  • What was Ed Pierson's role at Boeing before he left?

    -Pierson served as a 737 Program Senior Manager in Renton, Washington, working on the project before its launch.

  • What concerns did Pierson raise to his supervisors at Boeing?

    -Pierson raised concerns about the dangerously unstable production environment and risks to the safety of airplanes.

  • What action did Pierson recommend to Boeing leadership before the MAX 8 crashes?

    -Pierson recommended that Boeing leadership shut down the production of the MAX 8, but he says he was ignored.

  • What is the Foundation for Aviation Safety, and what is its mission?

    -The Foundation for Aviation Safety is a non-profit organization where Pierson serves as the Executive Director, dedicated to informing the public about critical issues surrounding the safety of aviation and monitoring the industry and government agencies regulating aviation.

  • What is the role of Simple Flying in providing aviation news and insights?

    -Simple Flying publishes daily YouTube videos and over 150 articles every week, offering the latest aviation news and insights.

Outlines
00:00
🛫 Ex-Boeing Manager Avoids 737 MAX Flight

The script discusses the incident involving an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX's door blowing out mid-flight and the reaction of Ed Pierson, a former Boeing senior manager. Pierson, who had prior knowledge of the aircraft's issues, decided not to fly on any 737 MAX models after a specific incident in 2023. Despite booking a flight on a different aircraft model, he found himself on a 737 MAX 9 and chose to disembark. His experience and concerns about the MAX series' safety are highlighted, stemming from his decade-long tenure at Boeing, where he allegedly raised concerns about production stability and airplane safety that were ignored. Pierson is now the Executive Director of the Foundation for Aviation Safety, an organization focused on aviation safety issues.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines is a major airline based in the United States, known for its extensive domestic and international flight network. In the context of the video, it is mentioned as the operator of the 737 MAX aircraft that experienced a door blowout mid-flight, which is central to the video's theme of aviation safety concerns.
💡Boeing 737 MAX
The Boeing 737 MAX is a family of narrow-body aircraft produced by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. It has been a subject of controversy due to two fatal crashes and subsequent safety concerns. In the script, the 737 MAX is the focus of the story, as it is the aircraft type that Ed Pierson, a former Boeing senior manager, refuses to fly on.
💡Ed Pierson
Ed Pierson is a former senior manager at Boeing who worked on the 737 Program. He is a central figure in the video's narrative, as he decided not to fly on the 737 MAX due to his concerns about its safety. His actions and statements are critical in illustrating the broader issues of aviation safety and the impact of the MAX's reputation.
💡737 MAX 9
The 737 MAX 9 is a specific variant of the Boeing 737 MAX family. It is mentioned in the script when Ed Pierson discovers that his flight, which he initially thought was operated by a different aircraft, was actually a MAX 9. This realization prompts him to leave the aircraft, highlighting the extent of his concerns about the MAX series.
💡Reputation
Reputation in this context refers to the public perception and trust in the safety and reliability of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The script discusses how the MAX series' reputation has been 'tainted' due to past incidents, which has led to heightened concerns among passengers and some choosing not to fly on the aircraft.
💡Safety Concerns
Safety concerns are central to the video's theme, as they drive the actions and decisions of Ed Pierson and other passengers. The script details Pierson's decision to avoid flying on the MAX due to his knowledge of safety issues, which he had previously raised with Boeing's management.
💡Flight Attendant
A flight attendant is a member of the aircrew on a flight responsible for passenger safety and comfort. In the script, a flight attendant is mentioned when Pierson decides to leave the aircraft, illustrating the direct interaction between airline staff and passengers in situations of safety concern.
💡Foundation for Aviation Safety
The Foundation for Aviation Safety is a non-profit organization mentioned in the script, of which Ed Pierson is the Executive Director. The foundation is dedicated to informing the public about critical issues surrounding aviation safety, which is a key theme of the video.
💡Aviation Industry
The aviation industry encompasses the various businesses and organizations involved in flying aircraft for various purposes, including commercial airlines like Alaska Airlines. The script discusses the industry in the context of safety regulations and the impact of incidents on public trust.
💡Regulatory Agencies
Regulatory agencies are government bodies responsible for overseeing and enforcing regulations in various industries, including aviation. The script mentions these agencies in relation to their role in ensuring the safety of aircraft and the aviation industry as a whole.
💡Production Environment
The term 'production environment' refers to the conditions and processes under which aircraft are manufactured. In the script, Pierson is quoted as having raised concerns about the 'dangerously unstable production environment' at Boeing, which relates to the broader theme of safety issues within the aviation industry.
Highlights

An ex-Boeing senior manager, Ed Pierson, refused to fly on the 737 MAX after previously determining it was unsafe.

Pierson's decision was made before the 2024 door plug incident, showing his long-standing concerns about the aircraft.

The MAX series' reputation has been tainted due to safety concerns, affecting passenger trust.

Pierson intentionally booked a flight not operated by a 737 MAX 9, but Alaska Airlines changed the equipment last minute.

Upon realizing the flight was a MAX 9, Pierson decided to walk off the plane despite the inconvenience.

Pierson's actions were driven by his inside knowledge of the MAX's production issues and safety risks.

He had previously raised concerns about the MAX's unstable production environment to Boeing supervisors.

Pierson recommended halting MAX production before the two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, but was ignored.

Now the Executive Director of the Foundation for Aviation Safety, Pierson is dedicated to publicizing aviation safety issues.

The Foundation for Aviation Safety monitors the aviation industry and regulatory agencies for safety compliance.

Pierson's story raises questions about the integrity of the MAX series and the aviation industry's safety measures.

His experience underscores the importance of listening to expert warnings in the field of aviation safety.

The incident highlights the need for transparency and accountability in aircraft manufacturing and safety protocols.

Passengers' trust in airlines is challenged by incidents like the MAX door plug debacle.

Simple Flying provides daily updates and articles on the latest aviation news and insights.

Transcripts

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Boeing 737MAX ControversyFlight SafetyAlaska AirlinesAircraft IssuesIndustry InsiderAviation NewsSafety ConcernsPassenger ChoiceAirline Incident