Boeing's Starliner Project Faces Years of Delays Amid Scrutiny from Government Probe

Aerospace engineer Arthur Rosenberg discusses Boeing's halting of the Starliner spacecraft launch on Fox News Live, highlighting concerns about safety hazards and lax oversight that have prompted a new investigation into the company and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Aerospace engineer Arthur Rosenberg joined Fox News Live to discuss Boeing's last-minute cancellation of its astronaut Starliner spacecraft launch. The postponement has raised concerns about the safety and reliability of Boeing's spacecraft and has led to increased scrutiny from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Boeing's Starliner Project Faces Years of Delays Amid Scrutiny from Government Probe

Amid ongoing scrutiny from the FAA, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has launched a new probe into aerospace giant Boeing and the FAA itself. Grassley expressed concerns about safety hazards and alleged lax oversight by the FAA.

Grassley cited a "history of aircraft disasters" involving Boeing jets, including the 1996 TWA Flight 800 explosion and the 2019 crash of a Boeing 737 Max craft that lost a door panel at 16,000 feet.

Boeing's Starliner Project Faces Years of Delays Amid Scrutiny from Government Probe

Grassley described Boeing's quality control and oversight practices as "questionable, at best," and called on the FAA to step up its oversight. He demanded an explanation for recent safety concerns and the steps being taken to prevent future incidents.

Grassley also highlighted allegations of whistleblower retaliation, referring to the recent suicide of John Barnett, a former Boeing employee who claimed the company was using substandard parts. Barnett's lawyers have blamed Boeing for his death.

Boeing's Starliner Project Faces Years of Delays Amid Scrutiny from Government Probe

Last week, the New York Times reported that the FAA is investigating how titanium of unverified origin possibly entered Boeing's supply chain. Boeing has alerted federal authorities and its suppliers of the issue, which has also impacted its rival Airbus.

In response to the scrutiny, Boeing has stated that some wear-and-tear issues are the responsibility of airlines, not manufacturing defects. The company is also investigating fasteners on a batch of undelivered 787 Dreamliner jets that may have been installed incorrectly.

Boeing's Starliner Project Faces Years of Delays Amid Scrutiny from Government Probe

The FAA is currently investigating the scope and impact of the questionable titanium issue and the alleged safety concerns raised by Grassley. The agency has declined to comment publicly but has indicated it will respond directly to the senator.

Grassley argued that Boeing's track record and recent incidents demonstrate that aircraft safety has not been the company's paramount concern. He also criticized the FAA for alleged insufficient oversight, putting passenger safety at risk.

Boeing's Starliner Project Faces Years of Delays Amid Scrutiny from Government Probe

Grassley and other critics have called for increased oversight of Boeing by the FAA and for the agency to hold the company accountable for aviation safety failures. They emphasize the need for greater transparency and accountability in the aerospace industry to ensure the safety of the traveling public.