FAA Clears Boeing 737 MAX Software Glitch as Non-Safety Risk

A software glitch in some Boeing 737 MAX aircraft does not pose a safety risk, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The regulator convened a Corrective Action Review Board to assess whether the issue created an unsafe workload for pilots. The software problem occurs when a pilot alters the preprogrammed flight path, causing the plane to switch from vertical navigation mode to a simpler level of automation.

Boeing notified operators about the issue in August and the FAA began reviewing it on September 26. After assessing the situation, the regulator concluded that pilots retain full control of the aircraft and receive clear indications when necessary.

The determination clears the path for Boeing's MAX 7 certification, which was recently completed by the FAA. The software glitch could have delayed deliveries and entry into service for this variant, as well as the larger MAX 10 model, if a safety concern had been found.