777x test flights’ suspension actually a good thing

The Herald’s Aug. 21 article on the suspension of Boeing 777x test flight made it sound like yet another of Boeing’s failures. Far from it!

As a retired chemist and engineer who has spent a career working in, later directing, laboratories, I think I am qualified to spot a success story when I see one.

Laboratories and testing exist to find anomalies, something that is not right, something not strong enough, something that perhaps should not be there. Boeing’s 777x test flight program achieved that very target: it found a weak spot in the system, thus is now in a good position to produce and install a part capable of handling the required load put upon it. Rather than criticizing, Boeing should be commended for the thoroughness of its testing.

Frank Baumann

Mill Creek

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

A state Climate Commmitment Act map shows projects funded by the act's carbon auctions.
Editorial: Climate Commitment Act a two-fer for Washington

Its emissions auctions put price on carbon and use that revenue for climate investments.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Saturday, Dec. 20

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Comment: State funding cuts would devastate long-term care

The Legislature should at least maintain Medicaid funding for nursing facilities at current levels.

Comment: No trust due an administration that ended river pact

The White House killed a negotiated deal to save salmon. The rivers’ protectors must return to court.

Comment: $20-an-hour pay for fast food workers will kill jobs

To protect employment, other states should avoid adopting California’s 2024 wage law.

Charles Adkins
Forum: To make investments we need, wealthy can pay fair share

As state lawmakers consider budgets, they should reconsider proposals for more progressive taxes.

Water from the Snohomish River surrounds a residence along the west side of Lowell Snohomish River Road on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Keep eye on weather and on FEMA’s future

Recent flooding should give pause to those who believe federal disaster aid is unnecessary.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, Dec. 19

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Schwab: What best fits a diagnosis of derangement?

Could it be vile attacks on the victims of tragedy? Vilification of immigrants? Economic denial?

Saunders: A plus for Trump 2.0: Far less firing among his staff

Turnover in the White House in his second term is far lower than his first. The stability is welcome.

Comment: A busy year for Trump, with far more lows than highs

A ceasefire holds in Gaza, and the southern border is quiet, but the economy is not ‘A-plus-plus-plus-plus.’

Comment: Oregon senator has plan to make Senate work better

Sen. Jeff Merkey doesn’t want to end the filibuster; he just wants to return it to its ‘Mr. Smith’ roots.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.