Boeing 737 MAX 10 Certification Halted Over Software Glitch
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has delayed certification of the Boeing 737 MAX 10, citing a software issue that can prevent pilots from accessing automated flight guidance during a specific go-around scenario.
According to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, the agency will hold off on certifying the plane until it is satisfied that there is no problem. He noted that a fix might come relatively quickly, but could take days, weeks, or months.
The software issue affects the vertical navigation (VNAV) function and was disclosed by Boeing on September 26. It increases pilot workload during a go-around, when the crew abandons a landing and climbs away for another try.
Boeing shares fell 6.9 percent on the news, with United Airlines, the largest MAX 10 customer, saying it will not accept aircraft with the affected software. Alaska Airlines expects its first MAX 10 in spring 2027.