FAA investigates software glitch in some Boeing 737 Max jets that could cause issues during aborted landings
The Federal Aviation Administration has determined that a flight computer software glitch in certain Boeing 737 MAX aircraft does not present a flight safety risk. The defect can cause automated flight guidance to disengage during aborted landings if flight crews alter the missed-approach path programmed into the flight management computer. Boeing informed operators about the issue in August, and the company is developing a permanent software update to resolve the problem. Meanwhile, some United States airlines have preferred using older software versions over newer updates.
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- ✓ The Federal Aviation Administration determined that a software problem affecting some Boeing 737 MAX aircraft does not pose a flight-safety risk.
- ✓ The software flaw can switch off the jet's automated flight guidance after a missed landing approach when pilots fly a different path than planned.
- ✓ Boeing informed all 737 operators about the software issue in August.
- ✓ Boeing is working on a software update to permanently address the issue.
What changed
The Federal Aviation Administration concluded its review and determined the software issue poses no flight safety risk, clearing the way for the certification of the Boeing 737 MAX 10.
Live updates
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FAA Clears Boeing 737 MAX Software Flaw
The Federal Aviation Administration has determined that a flight computer software glitch in certain Boeing 737 MAX aircraft does not present a flight safety risk. The defect can cause automated flight guidance to disengage during aborted landings if flight crews alter the missed-approach path programmed into the flight management computer. Boeing informed operators about the issue in August, and the company is developing a permanent software update to resolve the problem. Meanwhile, some United States airlines have preferred using older software versions over newer updates.
Why it matters
The software defect previously delayed the certification timeline for the largest variant of the aircraft family, the 737 MAX 10. Boeing notified 737 operators in August to have pilots reset the system as a precaution following a missed approach. The issue drew heightened regulatory scrutiny and led to a drop in company stock values.
What is confirmed
- The Federal Aviation Administration determined that a software problem affecting some Boeing 737 MAX aircraft does not pose a flight-safety risk.
- The software flaw can switch off the jet's automated flight guidance after a missed landing approach when pilots fly a different path than planned.
- Boeing informed all 737 operators about the software issue in August.
- Boeing is working on a software update to permanently address the issue.
Still unconfirmed
- The United States is set to announce Federal Aviation Administration certification of the Boeing 737 MAX 10 on Tuesday during a visit to Washington State by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
- Some carriers may decline delivery of the aircraft due to the defect.
- US airlines are avoiding newer software versions U14 and U14.1 in favor of the older software version U13 due to technical issues and safety concerns.
What to watch next
- Official announcement of the Boeing 737 MAX 10 certification by the FAA and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
- Deployment of the upcoming U14.2 software update by Boeing and GE to address existing issues.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (12)
- aviationweek.com — Boeing 737 MAX - Aviation Week
- aeronewsjournal.com — FAA Poised for Boeing 737 MAX 10 Certification Announcement ...
- usnewsbreak.com — Boeing Warned Airlines About A Flaw Weeks Ago — Nobody Warned ...
- jumpseataerospacenews.com — FAA Clears Boeing 737 MAX Software Issue | Jumpseat Aerospace ...
- aeroxplorer.com — - AeroXplorer.com
- www.yahoo.com — Boeing's biggest 737 MAX finally gets FAA approval - Yahoo
- www.timothysykes.com — BA Stock Drops As MAX 10 Software Glitch Triggers Legal Scrutiny
- airspaceeconomy.com — Boeing 737 MAX 10 Certification Set for Next Week Despite ...
- stockstotrade.com — BA Stock Slides As 737 MAX 10 Software Woes Deepen
- www.visaverge.com — United 737 Emergency Landing: Gear Fault and FAA Probe
- jumpseataerospacenews.com — US Airlines Avoid Boeing 737 Max Software Updates
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — faa airworthiness directive: Latest News & Videos, Photos ...
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FAA may certify Boeing 737 MAX 10 despite autopilot software flaw
The FAA may grant certification for the Boeing 737 MAX 10 next week despite a flight management computer software glitch. The defect disengages automated flight guidance during go-arounds or aborted landings. While regulators have ruled the issue poses no safety risk and pilots maintain full control, the flaw increases pilot workload. Some US airlines are using older software to bypass the problem, and some carriers may decline delivery of the aircraft due to the defect.
Why it matters
Certification depends on the outcome of a final type certification board meeting held last Friday. The issue centers on the autopilot's behavior during critical missed approach maneuvers. This comes as Boeing seeks to expand the MAX fleet with the 10 variant.
What is confirmed
- The FAA cleared a 737 MAX software issue as posing no safety risk.
- A software flaw affects the autopilot during go-arounds or aborted landings.
Still unconfirmed
- Some carriers may refuse delivery of the new aircraft.
- Major US airlines have used older flight management software to avoid the glitch.
What to watch next
- Official FAA certification announcement for the 737 MAX 10
- Boeing's timeline for a software patch to fix the autopilot disengagement
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (2)
- aerohaber.com — Boeing 737 MAX 10 Software Flaw: What the FAA’s Ruling Really ...
- ua.news — FAA may certify Boeing 737 MAX 10 despite software glitch ...
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FAA may certify Boeing 737 MAX 10 despite software glitch
The FAA is expected to certify the Boeing 737 MAX 10 as early as next week following a successful final type certification board meeting on Friday. While regulators maintain the software defect does not pose a safety risk and pilots retain full control, industry concerns persist regarding increased pilot workload. The glitch disengages automated flight guidance during aborted landings or missed approaches. Some major US airlines have opted for older flight management software to avoid the issue, and reports suggest some carriers may refuse delivery of the new aircraft.
Why it matters
The 737 MAX 10 is the largest variant in the aircraft family. This software flaw has delayed certification and impacted delivery schedules for carriers like Alaska Airlines. The issue specifically affects automated vertical navigation functions.
What is confirmed
- The FAA determined the 737 MAX software issue does not pose a safety risk.
- The software glitch disengages automated flight guidance during landing scenarios.
- Industry concerns remain regarding the impact of the glitch on pilot workload.
Still unconfirmed
- Major US airlines used older flight management software to avoid the glitch.
What to watch next
- Official FAA certification announcement for the 737 MAX 10
- Confirmation of affected aircraft numbers in India
- Statements from airlines regarding delivery acceptance of the MAX 10
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (8)
- www.wionews.com — Boeing 737 MAX software glitch: Could 96 Indian planes be ...
- travelohlic.com — How New Boeing 737 MAX 10 Delays Can Impact Airline Travelers
- www.loungefrog.com — Boeing's 737-10 missed Alaska's September target, but a ...
- www.chronline.com — Boeing’s 737 MAX software issue not a safety risk, but ...
- theaviationhub.co.uk — Boeing 737 MAX Software Flaw: What the FAA Ruling Means
- simpleflying.com — Boeing 737 MAX 10 Could Be Certified Next Week, But Airlines ...
- jbiznews.com — Boeing 737 MAX 10 to be certified despite software glitch ...
- www.jpost.com — Boeing 737 MAX 10 to be certified despite software glitch, airlines may refuse delivery - report
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FAA Clears Boeing 737 Max Software Glitch for Certification
United States aviation regulators announced that a software defect in select Boeing 737 Max flight management systems does not present a flight-safety concern. The Federal Aviation Administration concluded that the glitch does not constitute an unsafe condition, thereby clearing certification work to proceed for the Max 10 variant and removing an obstacle for the largest member of the aircraft family. The malfunction impacts automated vertical navigation functions by shutting off flight guidance unexpectedly during missed approaches or aborted landings.
Why it matters
The software anomaly previously caused delays for the aircraft variant and drew international attention from carriers operating approximately one hundred Max jets, including airlines in India. Certification of the 737 Max 10 appears back on track following the regulatory decision. Reuters and Aerospace Global News reported on the regulatory updates regarding software fixes.
What is confirmed
- US aviation regulators determined that a software glitch affecting some Boeing 737 Max aircraft does not constitute a flight-safety issue.
- The Federal Aviation Administration concluded that a software problem in some Boeing Co. 737 Max flight management systems does not impact the jets’ safety.
- Certification of the 737 Max 10 appears back on track following the decision by aviation regulators.
What to watch next
- Formal timeline announcements for the Boeing 737 Max 10 certification
- Responses from international carriers regarding the cleared software glitch
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- thearabianpost.com — FAA clears Boeing 737 Max software glitch | Arabian Post
- leehamnews.com — Boeing’s Path to Max 10 Certification Looks Clear Again
- www.advancedmanufacturing.org — FAA Says Boeing 737 Max Software Bug Not a Safety Issue
- airspaceeconomy.com — Boeing 737 Max 10 Certification: FAA Clears Software Issue ...
- avioradar.net — FAA: Software issue will not halt Boeing 737-10 certification
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FAA Clears Boeing 737 Max Software Glitch for Certification
Federal regulators determined that a software defect in select Boeing 737 Max aircraft does not present a flight-safety concern. The malfunction impacts automated vertical navigation functions by shutting off flight guidance unexpectedly during missed approaches or aborted landings. With the completion of this evaluation, the Federal Aviation Administration cleared certification work to proceed for the Max 10 variant. This regulatory review previously caused delays for the aircraft variant and drew international attention from carriers operating approximately one hundred Max jets, including airlines in India.
Why it matters
The Federal Aviation Administration decision removes a significant regulatory hurdle that had delayed the certification of new aircraft models for years. Boeing shares gained value following the ruling, as multiple international carriers are queued for large shipments of the Max 10 variant. The aircraft is a critical focal point for airline fleet strategies and route growth.
What is confirmed
- The Federal Aviation Administration ruled that a newly identified software glitch in the Boeing 737 MAX does not present a flight-safety concern.
- The malfunction affects automated vertical navigation functions by shutting off flight guidance unexpectedly during aborted landings or missed approaches.
- The regulatory review previously caused delays for the aircraft variant.
- Boeing shares gained as the Federal Aviation Administration found no safety issue with the software glitch.
What to watch next
- Final official approval and certification milestones for the Boeing 737 Max 10 variant
- Delivery timelines for international carriers queued for large shipments of new Max models
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (7)
- simpleflying.com — FAA Rules Boeing 737 MAX Landing Glitch Isn't A Safety Risk, Paving Way For MAX 10 Certification
- finance.yahoo.com — Update: Boeing's New 737 Max Software Glitch Not a Safety Issue, FAA Says
- finance.yahoo.com — Boeing shares gain as FAA finds no safety issue with 737 MAX software glitch
- aviationnews.eu — FAA Concludes Boeing 737 MAX Software Glitch Poses No ...
- www.afp.com — US regulator finds Boeing 737 MAX software bug 'not a safety ...
- www.aviationpros.com — Boeing 737 Max Software Glitch Not a Safety Risk, FAA Says
- finance.yahoo.com — Update: Boeing's New 737 Max Software Glitch Not a Safety ...
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FAA Clears Boeing 737 Max Software Glitch
Federal regulators have cleared a software defect in select Boeing 737 Max aircraft after determining the issue does not pose a safety risk. The malfunction affects automated vertical navigation functions by shutting off flight guidance unexpectedly during aborted landings or missed approaches. With the safety review concluded, the Federal Aviation Administration has allowed certification of the Max 10 variant to proceed. The regulatory review previously caused delays for the aircraft variant, drawing international attention from international carriers operating approximately one hundred Max jets, including in India.
Why it matters
The Federal Aviation Administration reviewed the software glitch after Boeing discovered the defect impacting aborted landings. The resolution of the review clears the path for the certification of the 737 Max 10 variant. International carriers, particularly in India where operators fly roughly one hundred Max aircraft, had monitored the review closely.
What is confirmed
- The Federal Aviation Administration cleared a Boeing 737 Max software glitch after determining it poses no safety risk.
- The software defect causes the vertical navigation system to disable during aborted landings.
- Airlines operate approximately one hundred Max aircraft in India.
Still unconfirmed
- Certification of the 737 Max 10 variant was delayed until regulators determined the software glitch posed no safety risk.
What to watch next
- Official completion of the 737 Max 10 certification process later this month
- Any further operational directives regarding the permanent software fix for existing Max fleets
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.yahoo.com — Certification of Boeing 737 MAX delayed by software bug
- www.straitstimes.com — FAA clears Boeing 737 Max 10 software glitch, no safety risk
- www.cnbc.com — FAA says Boeing 737 Max software glitch not a flight ... - CNBC
- travelradar.aero — Boeing found Software Glitch in 737 MAX
- www.yahoo.com — US regulator finds Boeing 737 MAX software bug 'not a safety ...
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FAA Investigates 737 Max Software Glitch
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a software glitch in select Boeing 737 Max aircraft that can cause automated flight guidance to shut off unexpectedly during aborted landings or missed approaches. The defect affects automated vertical navigation functions. In response to the regulatory review, the FAA has delayed the certification of the 737 Max 10 variant while a permanent software fix is developed. Meanwhile, the issue has drawn international attention, including in India where carriers operate approximately one hundred Max aircraft.
Why it matters
Boeing shares moved sharply lower on the stock market following reports of the navigation system defect. The problem leaves pilots without automated flight guidance during critical landing maneuvers. Regulators are assessing the full extent of the software flaw across the active global fleet.
What is confirmed
- The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a software glitch in some Boeing 737 Max jets that affects automated flight guidance during missed approaches or aborted landings.
- The FAA delayed approval and certification of the Boeing 737 Max 10 variant due to the software issue.
- Air India Express and Akasa Air operate about 100 Max aircraft between them.
Still unconfirmed
- It remains unclear how many Max aircraft operated by Air India Express and Akasa Air contain the affected software.
What to watch next
- Development of a permanent software fix by Boeing
- Official FAA rulings on the 737 Max 10 certification timeline
- Disclosures regarding the exact number of international aircraft containing the affected software
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (9)
- flipboard.com — FAA investigates software glitch in some Boeing 737 Max jets that could cause issues during aborted landi....
- www.nbcnews.com — Boeing identifies 737 MAX software glitch affecting landing navigation feature
- flipboard.com — Boeing identifies 737 MAX software glitch
- www.cbsnews.com — FAA delays Boeing 737 MAX 10 approval due to software glitch - CBS News
- ua.news — FAA delays Boeing 737 MAX 10 certification over software issue | UA.NEWS
- www.yahoo.com — Boeing identifies new software issue in 737 Max jets
- www.airdatanews.com — FAA clears 737 MAX software glitch, removing hurdle for MAX 10 certification
- finance.yahoo.com — Boeing Leads Dow Lower on News of 737 MAX Software Glitch
- www.nationalheraldindia.com — Boeing 737 MAX software glitch draws attention in India as FAA begins review - National Herald
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FAA Investigates Boeing 737 Max Software Glitch
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a software glitch in certain Boeing 737 Max aircraft that can cause an automated flight guidance system to disengage during missed approaches or aborted landings. The defect affects automated vertical navigation functions. Boeing discovered the issue after an operator reported it in November 2024, but initially decided it did not meet its criteria for an immediate safety review. Boeing shared review board findings with the FAA in September 2026, leading to regulatory scrutiny and a delay in the certification of the 737 Max 10 variant while a permanent software fix is developed.
Why it matters
Automated navigation systems are vital for safely managing commercial aircraft during high-workload phases of flight, such as aborted landings and missed approaches where quick reconfigurations are necessary. Glitches affecting flight guidance computers draw intense regulatory oversight given past safety concerns involving the 737 Max family. The current review directly impacts timeline expectations for the Max 10 variant as regulators demand thorough software validation before approving the new aircraft.
What is confirmed
- The FAA is investigating a software glitch in some Boeing 737 Max jets that could cause issues during aborted landings.
- The software issue can affect automated vertical navigation functions after a missed approach and prompt an automated flight guidance system to disengage.
- Boeing first learned of the glitch from a 737 MAX operator in November 2024.
- Boeing shared findings from a review board with the FAA in September 2026.
- The FAA administrator stated that the Max 10 certification will be delayed until the agency can assess the software issue.
What to watch next
- Completion of the FAA software assessment and safety review
- Boeing rollout and deployment of a permanent software fix
- Revised certification timeline for the Boeing 737 Max 10
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (21)
- CNBC — Boeing flags 737 Max software glitch affecting some automated approach functions
- Reuters — Boeing flags 737 MAX software glitch affecting landing navigation feature, WSJ reports
- Bloomberg.com — Boeing Identifies 737 Max Software Glitch That May Prompt Delays
- WSJ — Exclusive | New Boeing 737 MAX Software Glitch Could Disrupt Navigation Feature
- CBS News — FAA investigates software glitch in some Boeing 737 Max jets that could cause issues during aborted landings
- The Seattle Times — Boeing identifies 737 MAX software glitch
- The Air Current — Boeing faces potential 737 Max 10 delay as FAA reviews software issue
- KIRO 7 News Seattle — Reports: FAA finds glitch in Boeing software, landing concerns
- NBC News — Boeing identifies 737 MAX software glitch affecting landing navigation feature
- KWCH — Boeing responds to software glitch that may impact 737 Max planes
- Aviation Week — Boeing Tackles 737 MAX Software Glitch With -10 Certification Looming
- www.cnbc.com — Boeing flags 737 Max navigation software glitch - CNBC
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