Boeing faces scrutiny over noncompliance and whistleblower claims

In a recent government subcommittee meeting, whistleblower accounts, including those from Boeing quality assurance investigator Sam Mohawk, highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the use of nonconforming parts at Boeing. Mohawk's allegations, supported by a memo released by the subcommittee, indicate that practices of noncompliance persist despite previous warnings.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted a special audit earlier this year, uncovering multiple instances of alleged noncompliance related to Boeing and its supplier, Spirit AeroSystems. The audit specifically focused on the documentation and handling of nonconforming parts, raising questions about the effectiveness of Boeing's compliance measures.

During the meeting, committee members sought clarification on the actions required by the FAA following the audit findings and whether those actions had been completed. The FAA representative acknowledged that whistleblower complaints are investigated separately but confirmed that the audits revealed significant issues in parts and tool management.

To address these concerns, Boeing is reportedly implementing advanced technologies aimed at improving tracking systems for both tools and parts. However, doubts remain regarding the company's compliance with a year-old FAA order designed to rectify nonconforming parts issues. Mohawk's recent correspondence, which was included in the meeting record, suggests that Boeing has yet to fully comply with these directives, raising further scrutiny over the company's practices and regulatory oversight.