2 events, one every 90,000 flights, versus millions of flights and 1 every 5,000,000. You are correct, regression to the mean cannot be ignored. But superficially it's pretty damning.
Both the EASA and the FAA don't seem to think it is a coincidence, and we can hope at least one of those bodies is independent and competent. They grounded the plane, not the pilots.
Otherwise, all Boeing need as a cheap, quick fix for the Max is a label on the yoke: 'Not to be flown by third world pilots.' Cheaper than a passport scanner in every cockpit. Should be an easy sell to the regulator, at least in some jurisdictions. Or just self certify it.
Not enough? Maybe (as a priced option) a label on the trim wheel: 'To be used by (real) men only.' Of course, you would have to make sure you did actually stick on the label. (And, if the videos are to be believed, this would rule out Viking pilots, so could be a problem for Norwegian.)
Then watch the passengers flock back.
Of course, if it didn't then regress to the mean Boeing would not be in a very good place.
Last edited by SLF3; 6th Jul 2019 at 09:54.
Reason: Style.