Software glitch will delay US approval of newest Boeing 737
The Federal Aviation Administration announced Friday that an expert panel found a software glitch in some Boeing 737 MAX flight computers poses no safety concern. This determination removes a primary obstacle for the certification of the Max 10, the largest variant of the aircraft family, which is now expected to proceed later this month. The glitch previously threatened to delay US approval after it was found that automated vertical navigation functions could fail during missed approach landing procedures.
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- ✓ An FAA panel of experts determined a software glitch in some Boeing 737 MAX flight computers poses no safety concern.
- ✓ The software issue can affect automated vertical navigation functions after a missed approach.
- ✓ The glitch may inadvertently disengage VNAV capability.
- ✓ Boeing identified the software glitch in 2024.
What changed
An FAA expert panel concluded the software glitch is not a safety risk, clearing the way for Max 10 certification.
Live updates
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FAA clears Boeing 737 MAX software glitch as no safety risk
The Federal Aviation Administration announced Friday that an expert panel found a software glitch in some Boeing 737 MAX flight computers poses no safety concern. This determination removes a primary obstacle for the certification of the Max 10, the largest variant of the aircraft family, which is now expected to proceed later this month. The glitch previously threatened to delay US approval after it was found that automated vertical navigation functions could fail during missed approach landing procedures.
Why it matters
Boeing identified the software issue in 2024 but did not warn airlines for nearly two years. The glitch specifically affects VNAV capability, which provides automated guidance during the landing phase.
What is confirmed
- An FAA panel of experts determined a software glitch in some Boeing 737 MAX flight computers poses no safety concern.
- The software issue can affect automated vertical navigation functions after a missed approach.
- The glitch may inadvertently disengage VNAV capability.
- Boeing identified the software glitch in 2024.
- The FAA previously stated the Max 10 certification would be delayed until the agency assessed the software issue.
Still unconfirmed
- Boeing knew of the landing guidance glitch for nearly two years before warning airlines.
- The glitch was previously undisclosed according to company documents cited by The Wall Street Journal.
What to watch next
- Official certification of the Boeing 737 Max 10 later this month
- FAA mandates for any corrective software actions despite the lack of safety risk
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (17)
- WSJ — Exclusive | New Boeing 737 MAX Software Glitch Could Disrupt Navigation Feature
- Yahoo Finance — Boeing Drops 3% as 737 MAX Landing Software Glitch Draws Regulator Review; GE Aerospace Eases, RTX Treads Water
- Aviation Week — Boeing Tackles 737 MAX Software Glitch With -10 Certification Looming
- Reuters — FAA says software issue will delay certification of Boeing 737 MAX
- www.cnbc.com — Boeing flags 737 Max navigation software glitch - CNBC
- Financial Times — Software glitch will delay US approval of newest Boeing 737
- www.flyingmag.com — FAA Investigating Boeing 737 Max Glitch That Could Impact ...
- www.cnbc.com — FAA: Boeing 737 Max 10 certification delayed by software issue
- simpleflying.com — Boeing Knew Of 737 MAX Landing Guidance Glitch For Nearly 2 Years Before Warning Airlines
- www.nbcnews.com — Boeing identifies 737 MAX software glitch affecting landing navigation feature
- www.yahoo.com — FAA: Software Glitch Will Delay 737 Max 10 Certification - Yahoo
- www.yahoo.com — FAA Investigating Boeing 737 Max Glitch That Could Impact Newer Models
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