Boeing Flags Software Issue in 737 MAX Aircraft
Boeing has identified a software issue in its 737 MAX aircraft that could cause the automated flight guidance system to disengage after a missed landing approach. According to Boeing, this can happen when pilots change the preprogrammed flight path during a missed approach.
The company says that if this transition occurs, pilots would need to perform additional procedural steps to use automated vertical navigation on subsequent approaches. However, all pilots are trained to safely land an aircraft without using this system.
Boeing has informed the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about the issue and is working under its oversight to complete a software update. The company is also coordinating with airlines to formalise procedures for re-enabling automated vertical navigation in case of a situation like this.
Akasa Air, which operates 43 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, said that it was coordinating with Boeing and had no impact on the safety of its operations. However, there was no immediate response from Air India Express or the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).