FAA Clears Boeing 737 MAX Software Issue, Paves Way for MAX 10 Certification
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has concluded that a software issue affecting some Boeing 737 MAX aircraft poses no flight-safety risk. The agency's review board made this determination after examining the problem, which can cause pilots to lose automated flight guidance during a specific go-around scenario.
The issue occurs when pilots change the missed-approach route programmed into the flight management computer during a go-around. This can disengage the vertical navigation mode, known as VNAV, requiring the crew to intervene and maintain the correct altitude.
However, Boeing noted that the autopilot continues to function even if VNAV disengages, providing pilots with full control of the aircraft. The FAA's concern was the added pilot workload during the maneuver.
The determination removes a hurdle for the certification of the MAX 10, the largest variant of the 737 MAX family. The agency will now proceed with certifying the aircraft, which has been delayed due to this issue.