FAA Considers Review of Boeing 737 Max Software Issue

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering convening a safety review panel to examine a software issue affecting Boeing's BA 737 Max family. The glitch can increase pilot workload during certain aborted landing procedures by shifting the autopilot to a less automated mode for pitch control.

Boeing notified operators about the issue in August and is working on a software update, assisted by GE Aerospace, which supplies the affected software. The FAA's Corrective Action Review Board will determine whether the problem constitutes a flight-safety issue and whether measures such as an airworthiness directive are necessary.

The certification of the 737 Max 10 remains on hold until the review is completed, adding another obstacle for a model already years behind schedule. Boeing has over 1,500 orders for the Max 10, making its entry into service crucial to the company's production plans and future cash generation.