[tshibley]

I wonder if this becomes a cycle - otherwise I'm not sure how it explains the problems at Boeing.

I assume there was a point where the FAA was reasonably thorough (although if anyone knows the contrary to be true correct me), but then a general lack of perceived risk led to a leaner FAA with lower regulatory resources, which then contributed to the problems at Boeing. Maybe this will lead to an increase of regulatory oversight, and then the cycle continues.

[ericd]

It’s not just complacency, there’s been a significant push for deregulation and gutting of oversight by business interests since the economic problems of the 70s. It’s been one of the top issues for the followers of Milton Friedman, of which there are many in government.