[JudyinCanada]

They have to find SOME way to make this the president’s fault.

If Boeing knew that a software fix was needed, they should have advised everyone of that fact. Easily done.

[Ohioan]

I believe that Boeing has been working on the problem, since the earlier crash. They were not waiting for the FAA or anyone else. They, not the bureaucracy, have the foremost relevant experts.

[Vigilanteman]

Well, yeah. Boeing sells a lot fewer planes than Honda (just to name the car I own) sells automobiles. If I get a safety recall (happened once), I get a notice in the mail followed by a phone call from the dealer if I don't respond promptly.

It isn't rocket science and the government has no need to be involved.

Does CNN need the government to wipe their tushy? I don't.

[BwanaNdege]

It has been a while since I was an active pilot/mechanic, but IIRC, the Manufacture can issue a Service Bulletin at any time to advise aircraft owners, operators, pilots, and mechanics of technical problems that need to be addressed.

The FAA then evaluates those Service and Technical Bulletins to decide if they need to be made Mandatory and within what time frame. Then the FAA issues an Airworthiness Directive (AD)

The FAA can also issue an immediate mandatory Airworthiness Directive if the situation warrants it.

https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/air_cert/continued_operation/ad/