The company expanded the use of the software to activate in more situations, as it did erroneously in the two deadly crashes involving the plane, the 737 Max, in recent months.[NEW YORK] While it was designing its newest jet, Boeing decided to quadruple the power of an automated system that could push down the plane's nose - a movement that made it difficult for the pilots on two doomed flights to regain control.
Although officials were aware of the changes, the modifications didn't require a new safety review, according to three people with knowledge of the process. It wasn't necessary under FAA rules since the changes didn't affect what the agency considers an especially critical or risky phase of flight.
The FAA is supposed to be the gold standard in global aviation regulation, with the toughest and most stringent rules for certifying planes. But the miscalculation over MCAS undermines the government's oversight, raising further concerns about its ability to push back against the industry or root out design flaws.
The FAA defended its certification process, saying it has consistently produced safe aircraft. An FAA spokesman said agency employees collectively spent more than 110,000 hours reviewing the Max, including 297 test flights.
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