A recent Federal Aviation Administration audit of the Boeing 737 Max production revealed surprising details about the manufacturing process at one of Boeing’s key suppliers, Spirit AeroSystems. The audit raised eyebrows when it was discovered that Spirit was using Dawn dish soap and a hotel key card as part of its manufacturing process. However, it was later revealed that these unconventional tools were actually approved by Boeing and recognized as innovative solutions to improve efficiency in the production of the 737 Max.
The F.A.A. audit was prompted by an incident where a panel known as a door plug detached from a 737 Max 9 during an Alaska Airlines flight. The audit uncovered several issues at Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems, but it also shed light on the creative problem-solving approach taken by Spirit’s workers. The use of Dawn dish soap and a makeshift tool resembling a hotel key card was authorized by Boeing as legitimate work aids, demonstrating that unconventional methods can sometimes lead to efficient and effective solutions in the aerospace industry.
Spirit defended its use of the dish soap and key card tool, emphasizing that they were carefully engineered and approved for use to ensure the quality of the aircraft components. The company’s chief technology officer, Sean Black, spearheaded the development of the new scraping tool based on the key card design, showcasing how innovative thinking can lead to practical solutions in aircraft manufacturing. By embracing creativity and resourcefulness, Spirit AeroSystems has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing production processes while maintaining safety and quality standards in collaboration with Boeing.