Why did Boeing withhold key flight control system changes from the FAA?

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Boeing Withheld Key Flight Control System Changes by Misrepresenting MCAS Functionality

Boeing failed to provide the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with crucial documentation detailing modifications to the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) by presenting it as a minor alteration to an existing system with limited scope. This misrepresentation led to an incomplete understanding by the FAA of the system's potential safety implications, contributing to the flawed certification process of the 737 MAX.
MCAS Presented as a Minor Modification

The flight control system, known as MCAS, was characterized by Boeing to the FAA as a mere modification of the jet's existing speed trim system. This characterization included assertions of limited range and usage, which downplayed the significance of the changes. Consequently, MCAS was not initially flagged as a critical area requiring extensive scrutiny, as Boeing failed to submit certification documents that fully detailed the alterations made to this system.
Ineffective Communication Hampered Certification

The FAA's certification of the 737 MAX was significantly hindered by a lack of effective communication between the agency and Boeing. This breakdown in communication meant that the FAA possessed an incomplete understanding of the scope and potential safety impacts stemming from the changes Boeing implemented to the jet's flight control system. Some FAA personnel even voiced concerns that FAA executives were excessively deferential to Boeing, potentially compromising the rigor of the oversight process.
FAA's Risk Assessment Revealed Exceeded Guidelines

Following the fatal crash in Indonesia, the FAA conducted a risk analysis of the 737 MAX. This analysis revealed that the uncorrected risk associated with the aircraft, specifically concerning the MCAS system's functionality, exceeded the FAA's established risk guidelines. The uncorrected risk was calculated at 2.68 fatalities per 1 million flight hours, a figure significantly higher than the FAA's acceptable threshold of 1 fatality per 10 million flight hours.

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Why did Boeing withhold key flight control system changes from the FAA?

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