US pilots raised concerns about Boeing jets: reports

Pilots filed multiple complaints about the Boeing 737 Max 8 in recent months, according to multiple reports published Tuesday as the aircraft’s safety comes under fresh scrutiny in the wake of a second deadly crash in six months.

Politico and The Dallas Morning News reported that pilots anonymously filed at least five separate complaints in a federal database on aviation incidents. 

{mosads}The Dallas Morning News reported that pilots cited issues with the aircraft’s autopilot system and described the plane abruptly nosing down. The issues took place during the ascent and takeoff, according to the reports.

The flights referenced took place in October and November, The Dallas Morning News reported.

Politico reported that at least one complaint cited an anti-stall system that has been a subject of interest following the latest crash involving the aircraft.

“The fact that this airplane requires such jury rigging to fly is a red flag,” one pilot wrote.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) spokesman told the news outlet that the reports were filed directly to NASA, which serves as a neutral third party in the reporting process.

The European Union, China, Australia, Indonesia and other countries have grounded Boeing 737 Max 8 planes after an Ethiopian Airlines flight crashed over the weekend, killing 157 people.

Another 737 Max 8 was also involved in a crash last October in Indonesia. Both incidents are the subject of ongoing investigations.

The Trump administration has yet to ground the planes in the U.S., despite growing calls from lawmakers and industry stakeholders.

The FAA said in a statement Tuesday evening that an ongoing review had turned up no issues thus far to warrant grounding the planes and that it will take appropriate action if it determines otherwise. 

Boeing issued a statement on Tuesday expressing confidence in its aircraft.