The Boeing 737 Max software glitch has been deemed not a flight-safety issue by the Federal Aviation Administration, clearing a significant hurdle for Boeing as it pursues certification of the final model in the Max family.
According to the agency, the determination helps open the path to certification of the 737 Max 10, the largest variant in Boeing’s best-selling narrowbody lineup. The finding comes as the manufacturer seeks to accelerate aircraft sales and deliveries following years of safety and production challenges.
Boeing 737 Max software glitch under FAA review
Boeing alerted regulators last month to a software problem that could affect certain landing procedures. The FAA said Monday it was evaluating whether the issue constituted a flight-safety concern.
After convening a panel of safety specialists, the agency said Friday that the problem does not compromise safety. Boeing has faced heightened scrutiny from the Federal Aviation Administration in the years since two fatal 737 Max crashes grounded the model worldwide.
“Following a thorough review, a panel of FAA safety experts on Friday determined a software issue in certain Boeing 737 MAX flight computers is not a safety concern,” the agency said. “The FAA’s Corrective Action Review Board made that determination because pilots retain full control of the aircraft and the indications to the flight crew are clear and unambiguous.”
Boeing has said the situation could occur after a missed approach when pilots modify a preprogrammed flight path. In such cases, flight crews must take additional steps to employ automated tools on subsequent approaches.
The FAA said it will issue a special bulletin to airlines outlining how to recognize and respond to the Boeing 737 Max software glitch if it occurs. The review board included experts in airframes, flight controls, propulsion, flight testing, and other disciplines.
The agency added that it will consider further action if new information emerges. Aviation regulators outside the United States are expected to review the FAA’s findings as they conduct their own oversight of Boeing’s 737 Max family.
U.S. carriers indicated they are not affected because they can revert to earlier software versions. Even so, the issue had cast uncertainty over the Boeing 737 Max 10 certification timeline that Boeing and airline customers had anticipated for early fall.
The Max 10 would be the final member of the Max series to receive government approval to fly. The FAA approved the Max 7, the smallest variant, in August.
Earlier this week, the chief executives of Alaska Airlines and Ryanair, both customers for the Max 10, downplayed concerns about certification delays. The developments follow earlier reports that Boeing 737 Max 10 certification had been pushed back over software issues.