By David Shepardson
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A federal watchdog on Friday criticized the Federal Aviation Administration's oversight of Boeing (NYSE ) airplane production, saying it does not have an effective system to oversee the plane maker's individual manufacturing facilities.
The Transportation Department's Office of Inspector General said in a report that the FAA's current audit processes “are not comprehensive enough to adequately identify key discrepancies and noncompliance within Boeing's production line” and said the FAA has not addressed long-standing weaknesses in Boeing's oversight of suppliers despite long-known risks.
The FAA's oversight of Boeing has come under new scrutiny after a door stopper with missing key bolts exploded on a new Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 aircraft at 16,000 feet in January, causing which led the Department of Justice to open a criminal investigation.
The report issued 16 recommendations. The FAA said it agrees with all of them and “is committed to continually improving our oversight processes.” The FAA added that it is “currently conducting a comprehensive review of our system-wide oversight models.”
The report says the FAA has failed to timely resolve allegations of undue pressure on Boeing employees acting on behalf of the FAA because it has not enforced requirements that Boeing provide sufficient information about the allegations.
Boeing had no immediate comment.
The report that reviewed oversight of the Boeing 737 and 787 said the FAA “has yet to move from a reactive approach focused on addressing individual manufacturing issues to a more proactive, data-driven model for identifying and addressing risks within Boeing manufacturing processes at all levels. “.
A series of reports in recent years have raised concerns about the FAA's oversight of Boeing. Last month, a U.S. Senate panel investigating Boeing's culture criticized Federal Aviation Administration oversight, citing documents obtained in an ongoing investigation.
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said last month that he will revamp his own safety management program. He previously said the agency was “too far removed” from oversight of Boeing before January. In January it took the unprecedented step of blocking Boeing from expanding production of the 737 MAX until it was satisfied they had made significant quality improvements.
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