The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ruled on Friday that a computing anomaly within the Boeing 737 MAX flight computers does not pose an operational safety risk. This technical determination removes a last-minute hurdle and clears the way for the long-awaited type certification of the Boeing 737 MAX 10, the highest-capacity variant in the American planemaker’s narrowbody lineup.
Technical Hurdle Resolved by Seattle Experts
The technical resolution was reached in Seattle by the FAA’s Corrective Action Review Board (CARB). According to the aviation authority, the assessment concluded that the glitch does not compromise safety because:
- Pilots retain full manual control of the aircraft at all times throughout the event.
- Flight crew instrumentation and cockpit indications remain clear and unambiguous.
Earlier this week, the regulator had placed the 737 MAX 10 certification process on hold while a comprehensive review of the computer system was completed. The software anomaly could potentially prevent flight crews from accessing automated flight guidance during an unusual landing profile.
Operational Impact on the MAX 7 and MAX 10 Variants
The technical evaluation also clarified aircraft behavior during specific flight procedures:
- Increased Workload: The FAA noted that a specific software build can increase flight crew workload during a go-around (missed approach), a maneuver in which the pilot aborts the landing, applies go-around thrust, and climbs to initiate another approach.
- Precautionary Airline Actions: Major U.S. carriers had opted to avoid using this specific software load while the official analysis was underway.
- Relief for the 737 MAX 7: The ruling alleviates uncertainty for operators of the Boeing 737 MAX 7, which utilizes identical software architecture and received FAA certification this past August.
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Airline Implications and Delivery Timelines
The technical finding mitigates the risk of extended operational disruption across key airline customers:
- Southwest Airlines: Positioned as one of the airlines potentially affected, given that it operates or plans to induct the MAX 7, which shares the common software architecture.
- United Airlines and Alaska Airlines: Both carriers hold substantial order books for the MAX 10 and faced severe operational delays had approval stalled indefinitely.
- Order Backlog: According to a research note from equity research firm Jefferies, Boeing holds an order backlog of approximately 1,500 units for the MAX 10.
Technical Bulletins and Upcoming Regulatory Milestones
As an operational mitigating measure, The Boeing Company will issue a Flight Operations Technical Bulletin (FOTB) / technical bulletin providing clear guidance to airlines on how to identify and respond should this scenario develop in flight. Concurrently, the FAA will issue a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) for U.S. operators and foreign civil aviation authorities, ensuring coordinated dissemination of Boeing’s operational procedures.
Following the favorable recommendation from the expert review board, industry officials anticipate that FAA type certification for the Boeing 737 MAX 10—a program marked by years of regulatory delays—could be finalized by late this month or before year-end.
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