1 day ago
FAA Says Boeing 737 Max Software Glitch Is Not Safety Concern
The FAA looked into a software problem on some Boeing 737 Max planes.
It can happen during a particular landing situation and may affect the plane’s automated flight guidance.
The FAA says pilots still have control of the plane and get clear information about what is happening.
For that reason, its review panel said the issue is not a safety concern.
Boeing plans to tell airlines how to recognize and respond to the problem.
Boeing is also working with airlines on a way for pilots to restore automated guidance.
The FAA had paused certification of the 737 Max 10 while it investigated.
The agency and Boeing have not said whether that process will now move forward.
An FAA safety review panel said Friday that a software issue in certain Boeing 737 Max flight computers is not a safety concern.
The issue can arise during a landing scenario, including an aborted landing, and may interrupt automated flight guidance or shift pitch control to a simpler mode.
The FAA said pilots retain full control and receive clear, unambiguous indications; it may consider further action if it receives new information.
Boeing said it would issue guidance to operators and was working with airlines on a procedure to restore automated flight guidance.
The FAA had delayed certification of the 737 Max 10 pending its assessment; neither the FAA nor Boeing said whether the certification process would now resume.
- Who
- The FAA’s Corrective Action Review Board assessed the issue; Boeing and 737 Max operators are also involved.
- What
- The FAA panel determined that a software issue in certain 737 Max flight computers is not a safety concern.
- Where
- The issue affects certain Boeing 737 Max aircraft; the articles do not specify a location for the review.
- When
- The panel made its determination on Friday; the articles do not give a calendar date.
- Why
- The panel said pilots retain full control and receive clear, unambiguous indications when the issue occurs.
Regulatory assessment
Certification uncertainty
Whether the software issue presents a safety concern
Regulatory assessment
The FAA review panel concluded it is not a safety concern because pilots retain control and receive clear indications.
Certification uncertainty
The articles report no opposing conclusion from the FAA or Boeing; the issue can affect automated guidance and increase crew workload, and the agency said it may act if it receives new information.
737 Max 10 certification
Regulatory assessment
The FAA had delayed certification while assessing whether the software issue posed a risk.
Certification uncertainty
After the panel’s finding, neither the FAA nor Boeing said whether certification would resume.
Key facts
- Review body
- FAA Corrective Action Review Board
- Finding
- The software issue is not a safety concern, according to the panel.
- Possible trigger
- A specific landing scenario, including aborting a landing attempt.
- Possible effect
- Automated flight guidance may be unavailable or pitch control may shift to a simpler automation mode, increasing crew workload.
- FAA position
- Pilots retain full control and receive clear, unambiguous indications.
- Boeing response
- Boeing said it would inform operators and work with airlines on a procedure to restore automated flight guidance.
- 737 Max 10 certification
- Certification had been delayed pending the safety assessment; whether the process would resume was not stated.
- 737 Max 10 orders
- More than 1,500, according to Bloomberg.
Quotes
Federal Aviation Administration
US aviation regulator
“The FAA’s Corrective Action Review Board made that determination because pilots retain full control of the aircraft and the indications to the flight crew are clear and unambiguous.”
livemint.com
“Following a thorough review, a panel of FAA safety experts on Friday determined a software issue in certain Boeing 737 MAX flight computers is not a safety concern.”
NDTV
Sources
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