FAA Clears Boeing 737 MAX Software Glitch, Paving Way for MAX 10 Certification

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has cleared the Boeing 737 MAX software glitch that was delaying certification of the MAX 10, its largest variant. The FAA's Corrective Action Review Board determined that pilots retain full control of the aircraft and indications to the flight crew are clear and unambiguous.

The issue was first flagged by Canadian carrier WestJet in August nearly two years ago. It involved a software glitch called U14.1, which could prevent pilots from accessing automated flight guidance during an unusual landing scenario. The FAA had delayed certification of the MAX 10 until it completed an analysis of the software issue.

Boeing said it will continue to follow the lead of the FAA as its engineers work on the next software update. The company is also working with airlines to formalize a procedure that will allow pilots to re-enable automated vertical navigation in case of such a situation.