During the development of the 747, Boeing worked closely with Pratt & Whitney, who was developing the engines. After a series of delays by PW that was holding the 747 back, PW finally delivered the engine cowlings, only to have them be manufactured improperly.
A Boeing executive got into a heated argument with PW, who would not accept the blame (despite the fact that Boeing had nothing to do with the cause of the problem).
Finally, PW acknowledged that they had caused a problem, but wanted Boeing to work around it as, they had already produced several engines.
“What are we supposed to do with these cowlings?” a PW executive yelled.
“Take them home, put them in your garden, fill them with dirt, and have to work largest flower pots,” responded the Boeing exec.
Bram O. Thank you for sending us this story.
