FAA Reviews Software Glitch in Boeing 737 MAX Aircraft

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is convening a Corrective Action Review Board (CARB) to examine a software issue affecting certain Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The glitch can prevent pilots from accessing automated flight guidance during a specific missed-approach scenario, and the board will review whether the condition presents a safety concern requiring further action.

Airline officials told Reuters they do not expect the panel to determine that the issue represents a significant safety risk.

However, the review has already had consequences for Boeing. The FAA has put certification of the long-delayed Boeing 737 MAX 10 on hold until it completes its analysis, disrupting a program that appeared to be approaching approval after completing certification flight testing in July. Boeing and software supplier GE Aerospace are now working to accelerate a permanent solution.

Boeing told current MAX operators that existing procedures allow crews to handle the condition safely, saying: “Last month, we informed all 737 operators about a software issue where pilots may not have access to automated flight guidance during a specific landing scenario. We shared information with operators that reinforced existing pilot procedures for safely handling such rare cases. Our engineers are working on a software update to permanently address the issue.”