Boeing's 737 MAX Software Glitch Sparks Review of Automated Navigation

A software glitch has been discovered in Boeing's 737 MAX aircraft that could cause an automated navigation function to stop working during landing. The issue occurs when pilots change their planned flight path after a missed approach, and it can lead to pilots having to operate the aircraft manually.

Boeing had previously concluded that the problem did not pose a safety risk but has now started working on a permanent software fix following further review and feedback from airlines. The company informed 737 operators about the issue in August and reinforced existing procedures for handling the situation.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reviewing the issue and will convene a Corrective Action Review Board to assess its implications. Boeing's engineers are working on a software update that will permanently address the problem, but it has not yet been established how many 737 MAX aircraft currently operating have the affected software.

Southwest Airlines and United Airlines have asked Boeing not to deliver new 737 MAX aircraft equipped with the affected software until the problem is resolved. However, airlines currently operating 737 MAX aircraft do not have the affected software installed.