[z3n]

test pilots don’t conspire against federal regulators and investigators all by themselves.

[stinkerpot65]

Got to have a scapegoat...

[WhoisAlanGreenspan?]

Forkner persuaded regulators to approve excluding details of the new MCAS flight-control system from the 737 MAX's pilot manuals, according to a U.S. House investigation.

Boeing benefited from the exclusion, because it reduced the mandatory new training for pilots who had flown older models of the 737, making the upgraded jet more attractive to potential airline customers.

That Boeing benefited is understood, but how would Forkner benefit? He wouldn't. He's being railroaded.

[Renfrew]

“test pilots don’t conspire against federal regulators and investigators all by themselves.”

Yep, the higher-ups destroyed Boeing by creating a culture that prioritized accountants over engineers. This is the result.

[ProudDeplorable]

If it’s the case that he mislead the FAA then there must have been some monetary reason. Test pilots have nothing to gain by misleading the FAA unless they are compensated for it. Who was doing the compensation?

[fuzzylogic]

Exactly. This is pathetic...there’s no way that this escaped engineering. There’s no way that Boeing wasn’t aware. This only happens from pressure from management.

[minnesota_bound]

Nor do they design the aircraft.
Will the ceo and the sales guys be indicted next?

[pfflier]

Agree, this is absurd. The congresscritters are trying to look tough and Boeing is offering up the most vulnerable scapegoat.

Flight testing is a team effort requiring input and analysis of hundreds if not thousands of people.

The data are analyzed by several tiers of people. The result are compiled and jointly reviewed by Boeing and FAA representatives in the air worthiness certification process.

The bottom line is no one person has the power to do what they are charging this guy with.