Steve Dickson, head of the US aviation authority FAA, now wants to check the safety of the Boeing 737-Max himself. The chief overseer ordered a test flight in which he himself will take part. Dickson has more than enough experience in the cockpit, as he flew for many years as a military pilot and civilian with Delta Air Lines.

The "chief flight" should also be a signal to the public, because the FAA has been in the crossfire of criticism since the serious deficiencies became known. Although numerous steps are still necessary for the design to be approved again, Dickson obviously wants to symbolize that he himself has an eye on the matter and will have the last word.