The Failures Inside Boeing's 737 Factory

This podcast episode explores the problems with the 737 MAX airplane production, specifically focusing on the issues with faulty rivets in the door plugs. The concept of "traveled work" in airplane production is discussed, where planes continue to move forward in the production process even with incomplete tasks. The internal communication within Boeing regarding the 737 Max crisis is examined, revealing varying opinions on time pressure and lack of documented repairs. The fallout and investigations surrounding the Boeing 737 MAX door plug blowout incident are explored, including the need for safety and quality procedure overhauls. The changes that Boeing has made in response to the crisis, such as changes to bonuses and workflow, are also discussed. The recent departure of Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun and the ongoing financial and legal challenges facing the company are highlighted, indicating the long road ahead for resolving these issues.