The Federal Aviation Administration announced that Boeing could resume issuing its own airworthiness certificates for all newly manufactured 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliners. The decision to restore Boeing self-certification marks a return to “business as usual” after two fatal crashes of the MAX and numerous other incidents forced the FAA and Congress to impose restrictions.
The FAA promises continued oversight, but the public rightfully remains skeptical. The agency should not confuse eight months of good performance (with the regulator standing over its shoulder) with a reason to entrust Boeing to return issuing its own airworthiness certificates.
