FAA Reviews Boeing 737 MAX Software Glitch Affecting Some Approaches
publishers 21articles 21first reported 26 Sep, 20:30 UTCdeveloping since 27 Sep · 4 editions
Boeing has identified a software glitch on some 737 MAX aircraft that can disrupt automated vertical navigation during a specific landing scenario, prompting a review by the Federal Aviation Administration and work on a permanent fix.
The issue can arise after a missed approach, or go-around, when pilots modify a preprogrammed flight path while using a precision approach with the autopilot engaged. The aircraft’s vertical navigation system, known as VNAV, may disengage and shift to a less sophisticated form of automated pitch control. Boeing said the autopilot would continue functioning and pilots are trained to land without VNAV, though they may need to take additional steps on a subsequent approach.
Boeing notified 737 operators last month, reinforced existing pilot procedures and said its engineers are developing a software update. The problem affects versions 14 and 14.1 of the flight-management computer software, CBS News reported.
The FAA said it is working with Boeing and airlines, will convene a Corrective Action Review Board and will act immediately if it identifies a safety concern. The agency will also review Boeing’s proposed fix.
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines told CBS News that their in-service MAX fleets do not use the affected software. Southwest and United are not accepting aircraft equipped with it, instead using an earlier version. The review comes as Boeing seeks FAA approval for the 737 MAX 10, while the recently certified MAX 7 uses the newer software.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 3 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 18 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
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- Source articles
- 21
- Given to the writer
- 8, 3 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 8
- This version written
- 18 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
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