Boeing's 737 MAX design philosophy was right say top engineers

Geoffrey Thomas

By Geoffrey Thomas Mon Sep 14, 2020

Boeing's 737 MAX design philosophy was right, top engineers have told House investigators.

According to the WSJ and reported by Seeking Alpha, the transcripts, are part of closed-door interviews that will be part of a US government report to be released this week and stand in contrast to other company leaders' concessions of past engineering errors.

"The overall design effort was correct and appropriate," said Michael Teal, former 737 MAX chief product engineer, "but that assumption underpinning that process was proven to be incorrect."

READ: Airbus surging ahead of Boeing. 

"Clearly what was in error was our assumptions regarding the human-machine interaction," added Keith Leverkuhn, who was vice president and general manager of the 737 MAX program.

"Because the process relied on the industry standard of pilot reaction to a particular failure. And what was clear post accidents was that assumption was incorrect."

Since the crashes, Boeing, its competitors, and regulators have dumped long-held industry assumptions about pilot training and skill levels.

READ: The 737 MAX will be one of the safest aircraft in history  

Have questions or want to share your thoughts?

Comments

No comments yet, be the first to write one.

Latest news and reviews

View more
NTSB Final Report: causes of the midair collision at Reagan National Airport
Airline News

NTSB Final Report: causes of the midair collision at Reagan National Airport

Feb 19, 2026

Josh Wood
This Canadian airline flies 49-year-old aircraft: we tell you why
Airline News

This Canadian airline flies 49-year-old aircraft: we tell you why

Feb 19, 2026

Josh Wood
LATAM 777’s high-stakes rejected takeoff in São Paulo prompts an investigation
Airline News

LATAM 777’s high-stakes rejected takeoff in São Paulo prompts an investigation

Feb 18, 2026

Josh Wood
Why Emirates built its airline around two aircraft - and why that’s changing
Airline News

Why Emirates built its airline around two aircraft - and why that’s changing

Feb 13, 2026

Nicholas Ling

Featured articles

View more
This review proves that low cost carriers aren't always cheaper: AirAsia X vs Malaysia Airlines long haul
Airline News

This review proves that low cost carriers aren't always cheaper: AirAsia X vs Malaysia Airlines long haul

Feb 12, 2026

Airline Ratings
NTSB Final Report: causes of the midair collision at Reagan National Airport
Airline News

NTSB Final Report: causes of the midair collision at Reagan National Airport

Feb 19, 2026

Josh Wood
Arik Air B737 diverts after engine failure mid-flight
Airline News

Arik Air B737 diverts after engine failure mid-flight

Feb 12, 2026

Josh Wood
LATAM 777’s high-stakes rejected takeoff in São Paulo prompts an investigation
Airline News

LATAM 777’s high-stakes rejected takeoff in São Paulo prompts an investigation

Feb 18, 2026

Josh Wood