Boeing 737 Max Disaster Stakeholder Press Conference Exercise ✓ Solved

Boeing 737 Max Disaster Stakeholder Press Conference Exercise

This exercise is designed to give you practical experience in handling real-life threats for their organization. Through this exercise, you will better understand how the types of events described in class are applied, take a shot at forming policy solutions, and sharpen your communication skills.

Prepare a sample press packet. This press packet should include the following items:

  • Press Release (1 page)

  • Short technical background sheet (1-2 pages)

    This section should describe in more detail the technical issues of the problem at hand. It may also include pictures and diagrams.

  • Frequently Asked Questions (1 page)

    This section should anticipate questions other stakeholders or the media would ask in response to the problem and should provide your organization’s answers.

Potential roles: There are important stakeholder roles in this cybersecurity crisis situation. You may choose to take on one of different roles:

  • Boeing

  • FAA

  • Airline and owners of the Boeing 737 MAX

  • Software Developers

Scenario: On Sunday, March 10, 2019, Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to Nairobi, Kenya, faltered and crashed soon after taking off, killing all 157 people on board. The incident was, of course, devastating. But making it even more disturbing is that it happened just months after a Lion Air flight taking off from Jakarta, Indonesia, crashed in October, killing all 189 passengers. Multiple countries have grounded the planes, including Brazil, China, and India. The European Union suspended all flight operations of Boeing Model 737 Max 8 and 737 Max 9 in Europe, and Canada and the US followed suit.

Apparently the 737 Max pitched up a bit too much for comfort on power application as well as at already-high angles of attack. It violated that most ancient of aviation canons and probably violated the certification criteria of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. But instead of going back to the drawing board and getting the airframe hardware right, Boeing relied on something called the “Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System,” or MCAS. Boeing’s solution to its hardware problem was software.

Investigators believe Boeing's new MCAS anti-stall system was connected to two crashes: one in Indonesia last October and one in Ethiopia in March. The crashes killed a total of 346 people and grounded the 737 Max worldwide.

Paper For Above Instructions

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: [Insert Date]

Contact: [Insert Contact Information]

Title: Boeing's Commitment to Safety Following 737 Max Incidents

Following the tragic events involving Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 and Lion Air flight 610, Boeing expresses its deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones affected. We recognize the seriousness of these incidents and are committed to thoroughly understanding the causes to ensure the highest safety standards.

Boeing is working closely with regulatory authorities, including the FAA, to address all safety concerns surrounding the 737 Max. Our teams are dedicated to restoring confidence in our aircraft and ensuring that our technology meets the necessary safety requirements.

We acknowledge that the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) played a role in these tragic accidents and are undertaking a comprehensive review and overhaul of the system to enhance pilot control and aircraft safety.

Technical Background Sheet

The Boeing 737 Max is a variant of the 737 series with advanced aerodynamics, LEAP-1B engines, and advanced software systems, including the MCAS designed to prevent stalls during flight. However, after the two devastating crashes, it became clear that the MCAS could malfunction if not set up correctly, leading to a dangerous stall condition.

The MCAS was intended to automatically adjust the aircraft’s nose position to counteract aerodynamic stalling at high angles of attack. Investigations highlighted that the system relied on a single angle-of-attack sensor. Should this sensor fail or deliver an erroneous reading, the MCAS could activate unexpectedly, potentially leading to loss of control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the crashes of the 737 Max aircraft?

Preliminary investigations indicate that the MCAS system's malfunction due to faulty sensor readings led to the tragic crashes.

How is Boeing addressing these issues?

Boeing has initiated a comprehensive review of the MCAS and is implementing software updates to enhance safety. We are also revisiting pilot training programs to ensure all personnel are fully prepared to handle potential malfunctions.

What is Boeing's commitment moving forward?

Boeing is committed to restoring trust through ongoing communication and transparency with all stakeholders, customers, and regulatory agencies. We aim to ensure that our aircraft meet the highest safety standards possible.

Conclusion

The tragic crashes of the Boeing 737 Max have left an indelible mark on our industry, and it is our responsibility to learn and improve upon the systems that govern air travel. We are dedicated to ensuring such tragedies do not happen in the future through committed action and reflection.

References

  • The Boeing 737 Max 8 crashes and controversy, explained.

  • Frustrated US lawmakers tear into safety officials over the government's slow response to 2 Boeing 737 Max crashes.

  • FAA defends handling of Boeing 737 Max after deadly crashes.

  • Boeing 737 Max Simulators Are in High Demand. They Are Flawed.

  • How the Boeing 737 Max Disaster Looks to a Software Developer.

  • Amid scrutiny over 737 Max, Boeing to replace 900 inspectors. And union is not happy.

  • U.S. FAA meets with air regulators on fate of Boeing 737 MAX.

  • Safety in Crisis: A Guide for Aviation Stakeholders.

  • The Ethics of Safety in the Aviation Industry.

  • Long-term impacts of the Boeing 737 Max Crisis on Regulation and Safety Protocols.