The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has concluded that a software issue in Boeing 737 MAX flight computers does not pose a flight safety risk. This decision removes a major hurdle for the certification of the Boeing 737 MAX 10. The regulator determined that pilots maintain full control of the aircraft even if the glitch occurs.
The issue involves software version U14.1, which can cause the automatic vertical navigation system (VNAV) to disconnect under specific conditions. The problem was first identified by WestJet nearly two years ago. While the FAA noted that the glitch could increase pilot workload during a go-around maneuver, it confirmed that such incidents are rare in commercial operations.
Boeing continues to develop a software update and a formal procedure to allow pilots to reactivate the vertical navigation system if it fails. The FAA's findings also apply to the Boeing 737 MAX 7, which received certification in August. The regulator plans to issue a bulletin to airlines and international authorities detailing the software behavior.
Industry sources suggest the FAA could approve the MAX 10 by the end of October. This certification is critical for Boeing, as the aircraft model has a significant order backlog. According to Jefferies, airlines have placed orders for nearly 1,500 units of the MAX 10, with major customers including United Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
