“Boeing Has A BIG Problem” Richard Quest Unpacks Turbulence Death

Summary

In this transcript, CNN's Piers Morgan interviews aviation expert Richard Quest about recent turbulence on a Singapore Airlines flight that tragically resulted in a passenger's death. They discuss the nature of turbulence, the limitations of aircraft systems in predicting its severity, and the broader implications for air safety. Quest emphasizes that while modern aircraft are sophisticated, turbulence detection is not foolproof, and he reassures that flying remains extremely safe despite recent incidents. The conversation also touches on Boeing's quality control issues and the importance of always fastening seat belts during flights.

Takeaways

• 🛫 The script discusses the current public perception of air travel safety, particularly concerning Boeing aircraft, following several incidents and whistleblower claims.
• 📉 A British man's death after a Singapore Airlines flight encountered severe turbulence highlights the potential dangers of flying, despite modern aircraft's advanced safety features.
• 🚀 Aviation expert Richard Quest explains that while the turbulence experienced on the Singapore Airlines flight was violent, it was not extreme in terms of altitude change, only several hundred feet.
• 🛑 The confusion around the incident stems from people mistaking a controlled descent to a lower flight level for part of the turbulence event.
• 🔍 Quest emphasizes that no plane has ever crashed due to turbulence alone, and the Singapore Airlines incident was unlikely to result in a plane crash despite the severity.
• 🌩️ Modern aircraft have sophisticated systems to detect weather patterns, but they cannot always predict the exact severity of turbulence within a storm.
• 🔧 Boeing is facing issues related to quality control, as evidenced by incidents like a door malfunction on an Alaska Airlines flight, which raises concerns about the company's commitment to safety.
• 👨‍💼 CEO changes and company statements about prioritizing safety are contrasted with incidents that suggest ongoing quality issues within Boeing.
• 👀 The media's focus on aviation incidents can sometimes amplify public concern, even though many issues are not systemic and have always occurred sporadically.
• ✈️ Despite recent incidents, air travel is statistically safer now than ever before, with a multitude of checks and processes in place from aircraft manufacturing to passenger boarding.
• 💺 The importance of keeping seat belts fastened during flights is underscored by the turbulence incident, as it can prevent injuries even during seemingly minor fluctuations in altitude.

Q & A

What concerns have been raised about Boeing's aircraft safety?

There have been a series of claims and whistleblowers raising concerns about the safety of Boeing's aircraft, including high-profile incidents like a door blowing off an Alaska Airlines flight in January.

What happened on the Singapore Airlines flight mentioned in the transcript?

The Singapore Airlines flight encountered severe turbulence, which resulted in a British man tragically dying of a suspected heart attack after the plane plunged 6,000 feet.

What is the significance of the vertical rate of ascent in the context of the Singapore Airlines flight turbulence?

The vertical rate of ascent is significant because it indicates how quickly the plane was being pummeled up and down, which was several hundred feet a minute in this case, making the turbulence particularly violent.

What was the actual height differential the Singapore Airlines flight experienced during the turbulence?

The actual height differential from bottom to top was about 400 feet, with the plane going from 37,000 feet up to 37,150 feet and then down to 36,700 feet.

Why can't modern aircraft detect the severity of turbulence like the incident on the Singapore Airlines flight?

Modern aircraft can detect the presence of a storm, but they cannot accurately gauge the ferocity within it. Radar can show weather patterns, but the intensity of turbulence cannot be fully assessed until the plane experiences it.

What is a 'ride report' and how does it relate to turbulence?

A ride report is information provided by pilots who have already flown through a weather system. It can help subsequent pilots understand the severity of turbulence that they might encounter.

What is the current belief about Boeing's safety and quality control?

Boeing is believed to have a significant problem with quality control. Past incidents, including the MAX crashes and other issues, suggest a systemic problem that needs to be addressed.

How does the media's portrayal of aviation incidents affect public perception?

The media's focus on incidents can create a perception of increased danger, even though many of these incidents were not systemic and were happening anyway. This can lead to unnecessary alarm and a skewed public perception of safety.

What is the general safety level of flying today compared to the past?

Flying is safer now than it has ever been, with the chance of an accident being extremely low. The focus should be on other factors such as air traffic control and pilot training in some parts of the world.

What advice does Richard Quest give regarding seat belts on flights?

Richard Quest advises always keeping your seat belt fastened while on a flight, even when sleeping, to avoid injuries from unexpected turbulence or sudden drops in altitude.

What was the context of the discussion about the MH370 flight disappearance?

The discussion about MH370 was in the context of trying to understand what happened to the flight that disappeared from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, with the acknowledgment that the cause remains unknown.