Thank you, Mr. Chair.
The age of the aircraft and the fact that it's covered by a grandfather clause worry me, and I'll tell you why.
I have a computer with a CPU I bought in 1995. I could use that computer today, if I really wanted to, but it would be a struggle and probably not work as well as a current model. The same is more or less true of this aircraft. The basic design remains unchanged to avoid recertification, but the aircraft has become larger over the years, which makes it all the worse.
In 1967, the 737 MAX could carry 115 passengers. Today's model, the 737 MAX 8, can carry up to 200 passengers. The aircraft is now twice as heavy and 10 metres longer. Those aren't minor changes. On top of that, the aircraft is 50 years old.
When, then, will the grandfather clause cease to apply? The clause has exempted the aircraft from recertification and allowed changes to be made because the aircraft's original design still stands.
Are there limits to that coverage?