Boeing Whistleblowers and Safety Concerns

Boeing’s problems regarding whistleblowers continue unabated. Richard Cuevas, who has 40 years of experience in the airline industry and is described by his attorneys as an experienced mechanic, was working for Strom, a subcontractor of Spirit, Boeing’s main part supplier. Cuevas raised concerns about critical drilling and sealing issues on some 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Cuevas specifically pointed out that the fastener holes in the advanced pressure bulkhead section of the aircraft were not drilled according to the correct specification and that this could lead to catastrophic consequences.

Shortly after reporting safety concerns to the ethics department of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Cuevas was fired. He is now requesting an investigation into the advanced pressure bulkhead section of Dreamliner aircraft by the FAA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Cuevas’ attorneys claim that despite their clients raising deviations from Boeing’s specifications and safety concerns, the issues have not been resolved.

Cuevas and his attorneys state that their clients were wrongfully terminated and safety concerns were not taken into account.

• Boeing stated that it takes a subcontractor’s concerns seriously and investigates the issues.
• The company conducted an engineering analysis and determined that it did not pose a safety concern and was addressed.

Boeing has had to deal with recent safety issues and federal investigations. The Department of Justice indicates that the deferred prosecution agreement related to the 737 Max crashes in 2021 with the company has lapsed and they could face criminal prosecution. According to Reuters, U.S. prosecutors have recommended filing criminal charges against Boeing.