FAA outlines reforms planned after Boeing 737 Max missteps

Washington: The Federal Aviation Administration released multiple steps it plans to take to change how it reviews aircraft designs, a process that was criticized after two fatal crashes on Boeing Co.'s 737 Max.

The agency is planning on updating regulations to require better internal safety systems at planemakers and is reexamining how it assumes pilots will react to failures, the agency said in a report to the Department of Transportation Tuesday.

The report is a response to a blue-ribbon panel's review in January that found agency needed to update its practices. The 737 Max, Boeing's best-selling jet, was grounded in March 2019 after a the second of two fatal crashes linked to automated safety system that drove down the nose due to a malfunction.

The FAA said in a statement the blue-ribbon report had found its existing safety processes are generally sound, but they highlight areas where improvement is needed.

"The FAA will work with a variety of partners throughout the aviation industry and international regulatory community to complete this work," the agency said.The agency outlined steps it plans to take in 10 areas, including how it delegates authority to companies like Boeing to approve their own designs. Other areas include better efforts to hire experts to oversee the aviation industry and trying to work with other nations to improve safety.