The US Federal Aviation Administration has determined that a software glitch affecting some Boeing 737 MAX flight computers does not pose a safety concern, clearing a major obstacle to certification of the long-delayed 737 MAX 10.
A panel of FAA experts concluded that pilots retain full control of the aircraft and receive clear and unambiguous indications from the affected systems. The regulator had delayed certification of the MAX 10 earlier this week while it reviewed the issue.
The software problem can affect automated flight guidance during a specific landing scenario, particularly when pilots conduct a go-around after changing their planned flight path. Boeing has been working on a permanent software update and has informed operators about the issue.
The FAA’s decision means Boeing can proceed with the next stage of the MAX 10 certification process. The aircraft is the largest version of Boeing’s 737 MAX family and is important to the company’s efforts to compete in the global narrowbody aircraft market.
The issue had raised concerns among airlines awaiting new aircraft, although US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy had previously said there was no indication that the software problem required grounding the existing 737 MAX fleet.
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