Ethics in Aviation - The Boeing 737 MAX Whistleblower Allegations A recent and widely discussed ethical issue in the aviation industry involves new whistleblower allegations against Boeing related to safety concerns with the 737 MAX aircraft. In early 2024, Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour came forward stating that the company had taken shortcuts during production that could compromise aircraft safety, including issues with fuselage assembly and quality assurance procedures. This follows the earlier tragic crashes of two 737 MAX aircraft in 2018 and 2019, which had already raised major ethical concerns about Boeing’s prioritization of profit over safety (Slotnick, 2024). I chose this event because it directly challenges the core ethical responsibility of all aviation professionals: ensuring public safety above all else. As someone studying aviation, I found it troubling yet eye-opening to see how internal concerns may be overlooked until they reach the public eye, often through bra...
Posts
Assessing Organizational Safety Programs: Pratt & Whitney
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
For this assessment, I have chosen Pratt & Whitney, a leading aerospace manufacturer specializing in the design, manufacture, and servicing of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units, and which is the organization that I am currently working at. As a critical player in the aviation industry, Pratt & Whitney is at the forefront of innovation and safety, making it an ideal candidate for an in-depth examination of its organizational safety program. Pratt & Whitney operates in the aviation manufacturing segment, with a global presence serving both commercial and military aviation sectors. The company is known for its cutting-edge technologies, including geared turbofan engines that prioritize fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Its workforce consists of engineers, technicians, and other specialists who operate in high-stakes environments requiring precision and adherence to stringent safety protocols. The organization’s safety culture is integral to its operations, w...
The Impact of Fatigue on Aviation Safety
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
In the world of aviation, where precision and alertness are crucial, fatigue remains one of the most significant contributors to human error and, ultimately, to aviation accidents. Fatigue, as defined in our module, is a condition caused by prolonged wakefulness, disrupted sleep, or extended work hours that impair a person's physical and mental performance. This contributor to human error, often listed as part of the "Dirty Dozen" of human factors, presents a persistent challenge in aviation safety management due to its insidious and cumulative nature. Fatigue poses a serious threat to aviation safety because it directly impacts cognitive function, reaction time, decision-making, and overall situational awareness. When fatigued, pilots, air traffic controllers, and maintenance personnel may struggle with critical tasks, overlook important details, and react slower to unexpected situations. In an industry where every second counts, even a minor lapse due to fatigue can res...
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
Enhancing Safety through Technology: The Impact of Emerging Drone Detection Systems on Aviation Security In the ever-evolving landscape of aviation, safety remains the industry's cornerstone. A recent article from Aviation Safety Magazine highlights the growing significance of drone detection systems and their role in preventing midair collisions and unauthorized airspace intrusions. Integrating these technologies into daily operations is essential for safety and regulatory compliance, especially as the skies grow more congested with both manned and unmanned systems. As an aviation safety manager, I see the immediate value in embracing this emerging technology. Drones pose a unique challenge due to their accessibility and increasing use near airports and other sensitive areas. Recent incidents, such as the near-collisions at major international airports, emphasize the need for enhanced drone detection systems. By proactively incorporating this technology, we can mitigate risks be...