re: #13 Dr Lizardo

So, Boeing can’t find the actual paperwork of who did the work and who signed off on it, all the security tapes were overwritten and now the whistleblower is dead on the very day he was supposed to give a deposition.

Someone get me in touch with a producer from A24, because I’ve got a story pitch. “It’s gonna be like one of those great ’70s conspiracy thrillers, ya know, like The Parallax View or Three Days of the Condor, but ripped from today’s headlines!”

I’m not a conspiracy type, but even to my skeptical mind, this looks hinky as all hell.

Unfortunately, I doubt FAA rules and regs would allow the punishments I’d like to impose:

1. Fine Boeing for failure to produce the requested documentation for the afflicted aircraft, doubling it if they cannot prove that the person(s) responsible for record-keeping have been disciplined for the failure.

2. Fine Boeing again for “taping over” the security footage as though they’re a third-rate 7-11 and not a major defense contractor.

3. Require every aircraft of the type involved immediately grounded and inspected from stem to stern for faults at Boeing’s expense. Any aircraft found with faults that the company cannot conclusively prove are due to operator error/negligence must also be fixed at company’s expense and all relevant documentation related to the faulty equipment submitted for review. The aircraft will remain grounded until all repairs have been completed and certified, and Boeing will be fined for said faults and any “missing” paperwork.

4. If 10 or more aircraft are found to have entered service with faults that cannot be traced to operator error/negligence, the entire type will lose certification and will be deemed unfit for service until Boeing can prove to the FAA’s satisfaction that the type is safe for service and whatever manufacturing issues are causing this failure rate are resolved.