FAA Clears Boeing 737 MAX Software Glitch, Paving Way for MAX 10 Certification
The US FAA announced that a software glitch in Boeing 737 MAX flight computers is not a safety hazard, clearing the path for the certification of the MAX 10 model.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced over the weekend that a software glitch in certain flight control computers of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft does not pose a safety hazard, according to reports by CNBC and Reuters. This decision paves the way for the certification of the largest model in the series, the 737 MAX 10.
The decision is also expected to ease concerns among airlines operating the MAX 7 model, which uses the same software and received FAA approval in August. Boeing flagged the software issue, which could affect certain landing procedures, last month. Earlier this week, the FAA stated it was reviewing the software glitch to determine whether it posed a threat to flight safety.
FAA Review and Pilot Control
"Following a thorough review, a panel of FAA safety experts determined on Friday that a software glitch in certain flight control computers of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft does not pose a safety hazard," the agency stated. "The decision was made because pilots retain full control of the aircraft, and the indications to the flight crew are clear and unambiguous."
"Following a thorough review, a panel of FAA safety experts determined on Friday that a software glitch in certain flight control computers of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft does not pose a safety hazard."
Boeing noted that the issue could arise during a missed approach attempt when pilots change a pre-programmed route. According to the company, pilots must perform additional steps to utilize automated tools on subsequent landing approaches. The FAA announced it will instruct airlines on how to identify and respond to the issue should it arise.
Implications for MAX 10 Certification
US airlines reported they are unaffected by the issue because they can revert to older software versions. However, the glitch had raised questions regarding the certification of the MAX 10, which Boeing had anticipated receiving in early autumn. The MAX 10 is the largest aircraft in this family and is expected to be the final model in the series to receive government flight approval.
According to Reuters, industry executives now believe the MAX 10 could receive certification this month, in line with previous expectations. Research firm Jefferies estimates that Boeing has orders for approximately 1,500 MAX 10 aircraft from various carriers.
