Boeing's 737 MAX Family Faces Fresh Regulatory Scrutiny Over Flight Management Software Issue

Boeing is facing another setback in its efforts to regain public trust and certification for its 737 MAX aircraft family. The manufacturer has identified a software issue that can affect automated vertical navigation during a specific missed-approach scenario, prompting a fresh regulatory review by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The issue affects certain versions of the flight management computer software used in the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 aircraft models. According to Boeing, the problem can occur when pilots engage the autopilot system during a precision approach, followed by a go-around and changes to the pre-programmed flight path.

Under these circumstances, the aircraft's vertical navigation system (VNAV) may disengage, requiring pilots to take additional steps to manage the aircraft. However, Boeing has stated that existing pilot procedures provide a way to safely manage this situation.

The FAA has convened a Corrective Action Review Board (CARB) to assess the issue and determine if immediate action is necessary. The agency will work with Boeing and airlines to evaluate the software problem and its potential impact on safety.