The 737 MAX is slowly returning to service around the world. And now, there is a new report on the FAA's failures to provide oversight into the plane's initial certification process. The report title is blunt: "Weaknesses in FAA’s Certification and Delegation Processes Hindered Its Oversight of the 737 MAX 8."

The FAA Inspector General's report says there were "limitations" in the way FAA inspectors reviewed the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System known as "MCAS." That system is blamed as the primary cause for the two 737 MAX crashes that led to the deaths of 346 people.

The report cites "communications gaps" between the FAA and Boeing. It also says certain inspections conducted by Boeing workers known as "Organization Designation Authorization," or ODA, were not ensured to be "adequately independent."

The Inspector General's report concludes with 14 different recommendations to improve the safety process, and FAA leaders have agreed to adopt the changes.

In a statement, Boeing says, in part, it has "cooperated fully and extensively with the Inspector General’s review." It goes on to say the company has made meaningful changes to "further ensure transparent safety and quality reporting."

In this podcast, KOMO's Charlie Harger speaks to reporter Jack Hersch. His recent book is called "The Dangers of Automation in Airliners: Accidents Waiting to Happen."  Hersch says there's blame to be spread around, and that Boeing and the FAA should have communicated better about what exactly the MCAS was for.