FAA Reviews Software Glitch in Boeing 737 MAX Aircraft

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reviewing a software problem affecting some Boeing 737 MAX aircraft after major US airlines told the manufacturer they would not accept new jets equipped with the affected version.

The issue involves versions 14 and 14.1 of the software used by the MAX flight management computer (FMC). Under a specific sequence of events following a missed approach, the aircraft's vertical navigation function, or VNAV, can disengage.

Boeing told operators in a bulletin issued in late August that the condition did not pose an immediate safety concern. The manufacturer is working on a permanent software correction and updated guidance for flight crews.