Aircraft
Boeing Blasts Release of Messages about Max Sim Session
The Chicago-based manufacturer cautions against reaching premature conclusions over technical pilots’ surprise encounter with the MCAS in the 737 Max sim.
Boeing 737 Max jets sit grounded at Boeing Field in Seattle. (Photo: Barry Ambrose)
Boeing 737 Max jets sit grounded at Boeing Field in Seattle. (Photo: Barry Ambrose)

Boeing on Sunday expressed understanding and “regret” over the concern caused by the release of an instant message chain involving a former Boeing employee suggesting he encountered serious problems with the maneuvering characteristics augmentation system (MCAS) in the 737 Max during simulator sessions. The employee, chief technical pilot Mark Forkner, described a scenario in which he witnessed the MCAS “running rampant” during a November 2016 simulator session, some four months before the Max received its certification from the Federal Aviation Administration. The revelation prompted harsh criticism of the FAA from House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure chairman Peter DeFazio for withholding “key” emails and records related to the instant messages between Forkner and technical pilot Patrik Gustavsson.