FAA Gives Boeing's 737 MAX 7 Green Light After Eight-Year Certification Process
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted certification to Boeing's 737 MAX 7, paving the way for its entry into commercial service. The approval comes after an eight-year certification process.
The 737-7 is the smallest and longest-range aircraft in the 737 MAX family, with a range of up to 3,800 nautical miles (7,040 km) and capacity for 135 to 160 seats in a two-class configuration. According to Stephanie Pope, president and chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, the aircraft is designed for exceptional performance for operators flying out of airports at high altitudes and hot climates.
The FAA required several key improvements before granting certification, including updates to the flight-control software, flight crew alerting system, and a redesigned engine anti-ice system. These changes provide pilots with clearer information and warnings and prevent the engine inlet from overheating and potentially weakening the surrounding structure.