Getting Acquainted with the Controversial Boeing 737 MAX
Ed Pierson, Boeing 737 MAX's critic and noted whistleblower, recently disclosed how passengers may be flying aboard one of these planes without realizing it. According to Pierson, the external features of a 737 MAX are not so different from other planes, which makes it challenging for passengers to identify it.
Boeing, the global aircraft manufacturing giant, has been under scrutiny for the 737 MAX series. The model saw unfortunate crashes, which stained the manufacturer's reputation and led to rigorous investigations.
For people well-acquainted with Boeing's designs, it may be easy to differentiate a 737 MAX from others in the fleet. However, for the typical passenger, recognition is indeed a puzzling task.
Identifying Boeing 737 MAX: A Closer Look
The notable trait that sets the 737 MAX apart is the large engine size. The engines of the MAX are larger and positioned slightly forward and higher on the wings. Yet, these details may go unnoticed in the hustle of airport boarding.
From a passenger's perspective, the primary clue lies in the look of the plane's winglets - the upturned ends on the wings. The 737 MAX features a 'dual-feather' or 'split-scimitar' design, unlike the singular upward curve of conventional designs.
However, the split-scimitar design isn't unique to the MAX series. This design feature is also found in Boeing's 737 Next Generation planes, adding to the confusion for the unaware passenger.
Another feature to identify a 737 MAX is its AT Winglets, which have a more distinct dividing line between colors. However, knowing this requires a keen eye and a basic understanding of aviation design, which a regular flyer may lack.
The Subtle Hints Inside the Aircraft
The 737 MAX's interior also possesses subtle hints. Noteworthy among these is the presence of a fourth cabin attendant seat near the rear galley, a feature unique to the MAX series.
Another clue is the design and setup of the exit doors. In the MAX series, the doors slide into the ceiling instead of swinging outward like most planes. While it's a minor detail, the mechanism is a telltale sign of the 737 MAX.
Boeing's innovative 'Sky Interior' design is also found in the MAX series, featuring larger overhead bins and windows, plus LED lighting. Yet, this feature is not unique to the MAX series - the 737 Next Generation series also comes with a Sky Layout, leading to possible confusion for passengers.
Thus, recognizing a Boeing 737 MAX requires keen attention to detail, both outside and inside the craft.
A Notorious Reputation: The Troubles of 737 MAX
The 737 MAX has had a controversial track record. It came under international scrutiny when two crashes in 2018 and 2019 claimed the lives of 346 people. Investigations revealed flaws in the plane's MCAS system software, which led to worldwide grounding for nearly two years.
Boeing faced steep criticism post these incidents. The decades-old faith in the manufacturer was shaken, leading to decreased demand for their planes. Airlines canceled their orders for the MAX, making it an unwanted product in aviation circles.
Despite these setbacks, Boeing has regained permission to fly the MAX in many countries, aiming to regain consumer trust and rectify the software faulty line. The road to redemption, however, remains a steep one for the 737 MAX.
These unfortunate incidents left an indelible mark in the public psyche and transformed the perception of the plane drastically.
Recognizing the Boeing 737 MAX: The Passenger's Challenge
Ed Pierson's revelation gives a fresh perspective to the debate around the Boeing 737 MAX. Many passengers, unaware of the plane's specific design traits, may unknowingly fly on a 737 MAX.
Both externally and internally, passengers may mistake a 737 MAX for another plane due to the commonalities they share. Discerning genuinely unique features may prove difficult for the untrained eye.
Without any prominent marking to identify it from the outside, many passengers may not realize they're flying on a 737 MAX. The design subtleties are hard to identify for the unacquainted eye.
Thus, Pierson's revelation paints a picture of passengers flying unknowingly on a controversial plane they might prefer to avoid. In the era of informed choices, this can indeed pose a challenge for Boeing and airlines using the 737 MAX.