2 hrs ago
Akasa Says Boeing 737 MAX Glitch Poses No Safety Risk
Boeing found a software problem on some 737 MAX airplanes.
In one unusual landing situation, the automatic guidance system might stop working.
This can happen if pilots change their flight path after a missed approach.
Pilots can still fly the airplane manually.
Boeing says current pilot procedures are enough to handle the situation safely.
Akasa Air says its flights remain safe and follow all required rules.
Boeing is preparing a software update to fix the problem permanently.
A safety consultant warned that manual flying during a busy part of a flight could increase pilot workload.
The United States Federal Aviation Administration is reviewing whether any further action is needed.
Akasa Air says the Boeing 737 MAX software issue does not affect operational safety.
The glitch could disengage automated flight guidance during a specific landing scenario after a missed approach.
Boeing has notified all 737 MAX operators and is developing a permanent software update.
Existing pilot procedures allow affected aircraft to be flown safely, including manually if necessary.
The issue could potentially involve about 96 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft operated by Indian airlines.
- Who
- Boeing, Akasa Air, and other Boeing 737 MAX operators are involved; the Federal Aviation Administration is reviewing the matter.
- What
- A software issue may disengage automated flight guidance during a particular landing scenario.
- Where
- The issue concerns Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, including about 96 operated by Indian airlines.
- When
- Boeing notified operators last month, and Akasa Air issued its statement on Monday.
- Why
- Boeing is developing a permanent software fix while operators use existing pilot procedures.
Safety Assurances
Operational Risk Concerns
Immediate safety impact
Safety Assurances
Akasa Air says its aircraft continue to operate safely under established procedures and regulatory requirements. Boeing says existing pilot procedures are sufficient to manage the situation safely.
Operational Risk Concerns
Consultant Mark Martin says the issue could create significant operational risk, especially during missed approaches in adverse weather.
Pilot workload
Safety Assurances
Boeing says aircraft can be safely managed using existing procedures, and the aircraft remains manually flyable.
Operational Risk Concerns
Martin says pilots may face increased workload and potential fatigue if automated guidance fails during a demanding stage of flight.
Need for further action
Safety Assurances
Boeing is working on a permanent software update while operators apply interim procedures.
Operational Risk Concerns
Martin says the underlying cause requires thorough investigation and warned that groundings could be possible if the issue proves more serious; the Federal Aviation Administration is conducting its own review.
Key facts
- Aircraft
- Boeing 737 MAX
- Potentially affected Indian aircraft
- About 96, including approximately 53 operated by Air India Express and 43 by Akasa Air
- Reported scenario
- Automated flight guidance could disengage when pilots alter the approach path after a missed approach
- Current mitigation
- Boeing has reinforced existing pilot procedures and advised operators to reset the system after a missed approach
- Permanent fix
- Boeing is working on a software update
- Akasa Air position
- The airline says the issue has no impact on the safety of its operations
- Regulatory status
- The Federal Aviation Administration plans a corrective action review board and may act if it identifies a safety concern
Quotes
Akasa Air
Indian airline operating Boeing 737 MAX aircraft
“We are closely coordinating with Boeing and can confirm that there is no impact to the safety of Akasa Air operations. Our aircraft continue to operate safely in accordance with established procedures and applicable regulatory requirements. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority”
thehansindia.com
financialexpress.com
“We shared information with operators that reinforced existing pilot procedures for safely handling such cases. Our engineers are working on a software update to permanently address the issue”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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