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A comment on Boeing altered key switches in 737 MAX cockpit limiting ability to shut off MCAS. Parent comment

Re:Boeing altered key switches in 737 MAX cockpit limiting a... by blendo on Saturday May 11, 2019 @10:00PM (#19889641)
As I understand it, previous 737s did maintain stick force on approach to stall. The MAX, due to different engines, has decreasing stick forces when the lightly loaded, and/or with an aft center of gravity.

My simple solution? Disable MCAS, keep the stick trim switches as on previous 737s, and require MAXs to only fly with a forward CG. 2000 kg of forward ballast might work. Even better, reduce aft weight by increasing economy seat pitch (20 rows rather than 30 or so), thereby reducing aft CG :-)

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Re:Boeing altered key switches in 737 MAX cockpit limiting a... by aerodude on Sunday May 12, 2019 @04:38AM (#19890836)
Wouldn't both of those solutions undermine the advantage of the airframe, which is the fuel cost savings of the larger engines?

That said, I think seating pitch and spacing is definitely a conversation that needs to be had. I'm an average-sized guy, and I have a hard time with today's airline seats. I would hate to see what it's like for someone taller. There definitely needs to be more stringent regulation of airline seating to mitigate ever-vanishing personal space.

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