THE Federal Aviation Administration (F), misled Congress saying inspectors were qualified to certify 737 Max pilot competence when they weren't, said the Office of Special Counsel, the federal agency that investigates whistle-blower complaints, reported Bloomberg.
The agency said he F case 'raises significant concerns' about misleading Congress. The charges arose when Republican Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker, issued a press release.
At the time, F disputed the allegations, insisting in responses to Congress that all were properly qualified. The F pilots about whom qualification issues were raised are called Aviation Safety Inspectors.
But the Office of Special Counsel sided with the whistle-blower and said some internal F reviews had concluded the same thing. It found that 16 of 22 F pilots conducting safety reviews, including making decisions on the 737 Max when it came into service two years ago, 'lacked proper training and accreditation'.
The two crashes of the 737 Max, that killed 346, were 'closely linked with crew training resources and familiarity with operational procedures' - which were under the authority of some of the improperly trained pilots.
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The agency said he F case 'raises significant concerns' about misleading Congress. The charges arose when Republican Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker, issued a press release.
At the time, F disputed the allegations, insisting in responses to Congress that all were properly qualified. The F pilots about whom qualification issues were raised are called Aviation Safety Inspectors.
But the Office of Special Counsel sided with the whistle-blower and said some internal F reviews had concluded the same thing. It found that 16 of 22 F pilots conducting safety reviews, including making decisions on the 737 Max when it came into service two years ago, 'lacked proper training and accreditation'.
The two crashes of the 737 Max, that killed 346, were 'closely linked with crew training resources and familiarity with operational procedures' - which were under the authority of some of the improperly trained pilots.
WORLD SHIPPING