FAA Grants Certification to Boeing's 737 MAX 7 After Prolonged Review
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted certification to Boeing's 737 MAX 7 aircraft, more than eight years after its maiden flight. The approval follows a prolonged review process that was delayed by new requirements under federal legislation following two fatal MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019.
Boeing had originally intended to commence deliveries of the 737 MAX 7 in 2019, but the timeline fell apart after the crashes. To win certification, Boeing completed 441 flight tests over 686 test flight hours.
The certification process has included FAA reviews of a revamped enhanced angle of attack (AOA) sensor, which was introduced after a defect contributed to fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019. Capitol Hill hearings exposed weak government oversight of Boeing as a factor in the MAX crashes, leading to 2020 legislation requiring the company to install new AOA sensors on the entire fleet of over 2,300 MAX planes within two years.
Boeing expects to ramp up MAX production after receiving certification for the 737 MAX 7. The company has worked closely with the FAA and has increased its production levels from 38 to 47 aircraft per month. Boeing is also close to winning certification for the 737 MAX 10, the largest in the MAX family.