The Federal Aviation Administration announced that a software issue identified on certain Boeing 737 Max flight computers does not constitute a safety concern following a comprehensive review by FAA experts. The glitch, which could affect specific landing procedures, had been flagged by Boeing the previous month, prompting the FAA to initiate a safety assessment earlier in the week.
According to the FAA’s Corrective Action Review Board, the determination was based on the fact that pilots maintain full control of the aircraft and receive clear, unambiguous indications. The issue can occur after a missed approach when pilots modify a preprogrammed flight path, requiring them to execute additional steps to engage automated tools during subsequent landing attempts. A specialized review board convened to evaluate the problem included FAA specialists across multiple disciplines including airframes, flight controls, propulsion, and flight testing.
The FAA indicated it will distribute a special bulletin to airlines detailing how to identify and address the issue if it occurs during operations. U.S. carriers indicated they would not be materially affected, as they have the capability to revert to previous software versions. The agency also noted it remains prepared to take additional measures should new information emerge regarding the matter.
The determination removes a potential obstacle to certification of the 737 Max 10, the largest variant in the 737 Max family and the final model awaiting government approval to operate. Boeing and its customers had anticipated certification occurring in early fall. The FAA previously certified the 737 Max 7, the smallest variant in the lineup, in August. Senior executives from major 737 Max 10 customers, including Alaska Airlines and Ryanair, recently indicated confidence in the aircraft’s certification trajectory.
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