FAA Panel May Convene Over Boeing Software Glitch

Boeing may face an FAA panel this week to discuss a software glitch on some of its 737 Max jets. The issue has delayed certification for the company's new Max 10 aircraft, which was expected by the end of September or October.

The glitch is in versions 14 and 14.1 of flight-management computer software developed by GE Aerospace. This software is not present on all Max jets but is found on the Max 7 and Max 10 models. The FAA has not yet decided whether the issue is a safety-of-flight problem that requires regulatory action.

Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that certification for the Max 10 will wait until the agency is satisfied that there's no safety concern. Boeing said the issue is not an immediate safety risk and reminded airlines of existing procedures in August. However, Southwest and United have told Boeing they won't take new aircraft loaded with this particular software.