FULL INTERVIEW: Former Boeing manager turned whistleblower Ed Pierson

KIRO 7 News23 minutes read

Ed Pearson, a former Boeing employee, raised safety concerns about the Boeing 737 Max due to production quality issues and lack of leadership, calling for accountability from airlines and the FAA to address safety issues and implement solutions. Pearson emphasized the importance of training, quality control, and new leadership at Boeing to prevent future tragedies and prioritize safety.

Insights

  • Pearson highlighted significant safety concerns with the Boeing 737 Max, including flight management computer failures and stab trim motor failures, leading him to refuse to fly on these planes.
  • Pearson emphasized the need for accountability from Boeing, airlines, and regulatory bodies like the FAA, stressing the importance of addressing quality control issues, investing in employee training, and advocating for new leadership to ensure safety and prevent future tragedies.

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Recent questions

  • What were Ed Pearson's concerns about Boeing?

    Pearson expressed concerns about Boeing 737 Max safety.

  • Why did Ed Pearson refuse to fly on a Boeing 737 Max?

    Pearson refused due to safety concerns.

  • What did Ed Pearson criticize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for?

    Pearson criticized the FAA for lack of accountability.

  • What solutions did Ed Pearson propose for Boeing and airlines?

    Pearson proposed admitting mistakes and investing in training.

  • What was the mission Ed Pearson emphasized after the crashes?

    Pearson emphasized keeping people safe and advocating for legislative changes.

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Summary

00:00

Former Boeing employee raises safety concerns

  • Ed Pearson, a former Boeing employee, worked at the company for 10 years in various roles, including program management and flight tests.
  • Pearson expressed concerns about the Boeing 737 Max, citing issues with production quality, engineering exemptions, and safety concerns.
  • He emphasized the lack of leadership at Boeing, particularly from the board of directors and CEO, as a significant problem.
  • Pearson highlighted specific issues with the Boeing 737 Max, such as flight management computer failures and stab trim motor failures.
  • Pearson and his team have been monitoring incidents and have created a user-friendly database to track and analyze reports on airplane incidents.
  • Pearson expressed his refusal to fly on a Boeing 737 Max due to safety concerns and shared a story about Bill Boeing's commitment to quality in the company's early days.
  • Pearson criticized the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its lack of accountability and leadership in addressing Boeing's issues.
  • Pearson raised concerns about airlines, particularly Alaska Airlines, continuing to operate Boeing 737 Max planes despite recurring safety issues.
  • Pearson called for accountability from airlines in demanding Boeing address and fix the safety issues with the planes.
  • Pearson questioned the sincerity of Boeing's commitment to safety and transparency, highlighting the disconnect between leadership's statements and the reality of the company's operations.

14:41

Max plane crashes prompt urgent safety reforms.

  • The two Max planes that crashed had 100% dispatch reliability on those days, rendering the old statistics unhelpful.
  • Solutions for Boeing and airlines include admitting mistakes, recognizing quality control issues, and encouraging all employees to speak up about problems.
  • Training is crucial, with a focus on investing more time in training employees to ensure quality workmanship.
  • Shareholders should demand new leadership, including the CEO and board of directors, to address the underlying issues.
  • The impact of the crashes should prioritize the lives lost and focus on preventing future tragedies through quality control and valuing skilled workers.
  • The mission now involves sounding the alarm, keeping people safe, and working with victim families to advocate for legislative changes.
  • A comprehensive look at all issues, from quality control to communication, is necessary to prevent future tragedies and ensure long-term safety.
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