FAA Clears Boeing 737 MAX 10 After Software Glitch Review

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that a software glitch in Boeing 737 MAX flight computers does not pose a safety concern. This decision paves the way for the certification of the Boeing 737 MAX 10, which has faced delays for years. The FAA's Corrective Action Review Board concluded that pilots retain full control of the aircraft and receive clear, unambiguous indications during flight.

The software issue could prevent pilots from accessing automated flight guidance during an unusual landing scenario. The FAA was alerted to the problem in August, nearly two years after Canadian carrier WestJet first reported it. WestJet discovered the anomaly during a test flight, where the vertical navigation mode disengaged during approach. However, the airline noted that the condition requires a specific sequence of events and has not affected normal operations.

Boeing stated it would follow the FAA's lead as engineers work on a software update. The company is also collaborating with airlines to formalize procedures for re-enabling automated vertical navigation if the issue occurs. The FAA plans to issue a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin to ensure airlines and regulators are aware of Boeing's findings.

Aviation officials now expect the MAX 10 to be certified as soon as this month, aligning with earlier projections. The issue could also impact Southwest Airlines, which uses the same software on its newly certified MAX 7 airplane. Major airlines like Alaska Airlines and United Airlines, which have ordered the MAX 10, could have faced delays if the problem had not been resolved.