Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) probe has revealed significant issues at Boeing factories that have raised concerns about the company’s safety culture and effectiveness.

What’s the deal: In a report shared with the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, the FAA revealed that its audit of Boeing documented 23 specific instances where employees either failed to follow established processes or demonstrated a lack of proficiency in their tasks. These examples were part of a broader pattern of safety and quality control failures within Boeing’s manufacturing operations. The audit also highlighted serious concerns, such as insufficient training for workers, inadequate quality inspections, and instances where critical components, like bolts on the 737 MAX, were either missing or improperly installed.

What the FAA is saying: In its memo attached to the report, the FAA said, “Given the depth and history of Boeing’s safety deficiencies, its lack of candor with the FAA, and the agency’s reactive regulatory posture, the newly released information raises questions about the effectiveness of the FAA’s oversight of the company.”

Additional concerns: According to a survey conducted within Boeing, only 47% of employees responded favorably to the statement that “schedule pressures do not cause my team to lower our standards.”

Boeing statement: Following the news, Boeing released a brief statement, saying they had “taken important steps to foster a safety culture that empowers and encourages all employees to share their voice, but it will require continuous focus. Under the FAA’s oversight, we are continuing to implement our comprehensive plan to strengthen Boeing’s safety management, quality assurance and safety culture.”