The Midas Touch or the Monkeys Paw
The public has had access and opportunity to comment on the proposals enabling the Max to return to service.
Even with full disclosure, what more could a public review contribute; the quest to examine the underlying Boeing / FAA data and judgements could have a significant detrimental effects on the industry.
Many of the certification aspects would have been based on 'expert judgement', where the expertise includes design, testing, and certification, and the process and history behind these, used to maintain an acceptable level of safety.
Recall that the Max accidents were as much a failure of process as that of technology - failures of judgement and checking, human weaknesses.
An alternative judgement by public operational experts might not be able to fully comprehend the overall process; if not and if legal resolution is sought, then the industry risks a legal takeover of safety and operation. If we think that SOPs and rules are constraining, try flying with a legal advisor.
The underlying issue is trust. Trust is difficult to regain in a short time scale, and more so in a culture of 'fake news' and 'post truth', where those involved appeared to have engaged in that culture (public perception).
Furthermore, 'US expertise' or legal views would not be acceptable world wide, further slowing the recovery of trust, unlikely to benefit Boeing, FAA, or the US standing in aviation.
There would be more benefit if public organisations explained the complex processes in certification and the extent to which we have achieved a very safe industry; build trust, don't rock the boat.
Beware of what you ask for - the Midas Touch or the Monkeys Paw - neither will improve aviation safety.
Last edited by safetypee; 20th Oct 2020 at 12:57.