FAA Convenes Safety Board to Review Boeing 737 MAX Software Flaw

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will convene a safety review board on Friday to assess a software issue affecting Boeing's 737 MAX aircraft, a development that has already delayed the certification of the MAX 10 variant. The issue could prevent pilots from accessing automated flight guidance during a specific landing scenario.

The Issue Under Review

The software flaw could impact pilots during a "go-around" procedure, where a landing attempt is aborted and the pilot applies power to climb for another approach. The FAA previously stated that the software version could increase pilot workload in this situation.

In response, Boeing informed aircraft operators of the issue on Saturday and confirmed it is developing a software update to permanently address the problem, according to a company statement. The manufacturer also noted that it could propose additional pilot training.

Regulatory Scrutiny and Certification Impact

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The FAA is assembling a Corrective Action Review Board to analyze the issue, as reported by Reuters. This review is critical for the 737 MAX 10, whose certification the agency said this week it was delaying until its analysis is complete.

Airline officials, who met with Boeing on Wednesday, told Reuters they do not anticipate the board will identify the issue as a significant safety concern. If the board clears the aircraft, these officials believe the MAX 10 could receive its certification later this month.

Official Commentary

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated on Wednesday that he does not currently see a safety concern arising from the software flaw and that the agency sees no need to ground the existing 737 MAX fleet. He compared the situation to a smartphone update, adding that the issue "hasn’t been flagged for us as a safety issue."