13 March 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Spirit AeroSystems is responding to a concerning report on the Federal Aviation Administration’s investigation into the company’s production process. The FAA report was obtained by the New York Times and looked into manufacturing at Boeing and Spirit.
Some alarming findings came out of that audit, including Spirit failing seven of the 13 categories investigated.
According to the New York Times, the report lists a mechanic at Spirit using a hotel key card to check a door seal. The FAA Administrator said significant changes and improvements need to be made.
“We’re working with Boeing and demanding that they come up with a very detailed plan within the next 90 days to fix the quality issues that are out there,” said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker.
Whitaker said they now have boots on the ground.
“The FAA will continue its increased onsite presence at Boeing’s facility in Renton, Washington, and the Spirit AeroSystems facility in Wichita, Kansas,” he said.
According to the New York Times, the FAA saw Spirit mechanics applying dish soap to a door seal as a “lubricant in the fit-up process.”
In a statement, a Spirit spokesperson said, “We recognize there is more to do, and any findings from the FAA will serve as a guide as we pursue additional opportunities to increase our precision and reduce opportunities for error.”
The New York Times report said the FAA did 89 product audits, looking at different parts of the production process, and Boeing failed 33 of them.
“It wasn’t just paperwork issues; sometimes it’s order that work is done, sometimes, it’s tool management. It sounds kind of pedestrian, but it’s really important in a factory that you have a way of tracking your tools effectively,” said Whitaker.
Boeing declined an on-camera interview but released a statement saying: “We continue to implement immediate changes and develop a comprehensive action plan to strengthen safety and quality and build confidence in our customers and their passengers.”
FAA Admin Mike Whitaker said they will inform Boeing of the milestones they must hit within the next 30 days. He added that if they do not meet expectations within a 90-day window, the FAA could take a serious look at ceasing Boeing’s production.