Industry Odisha Bureau, Oct 03: The US FAA says a software glitch poses no safety issue. The finding removes a late hurdle for the Boeing 737 MAX 10. It also eases worries for MAX 7 operators.
The Boeing 737 MAX 10 has waited years for regulatory approval. Earlier this week, a software glitch threatened to stretch that wait further. On Friday, the US FAA removed that late obstacle. The Federal Aviation Administration said an expert panel found no safety concern. The jet is still not certified. But one barrier has fallen.
Inside the Regulator’s Review
The finding came from the FAA’s Corrective Action Review Board. The panel met in Seattle on Friday. According to the FAA, two factors shaped its decision. Pilots retain full control of the aircraft. Indications shown to the flight crew are clear and unambiguous, the regulator said.
The review did not deny that the software issue exists. It judged that the issue does not amount to a safety concern.
What the Glitch Does
The problem sits in some 737 MAX flight computers. It could stop pilots accessing automated flight guidance during an unusual landing scenario. The FAA said one software version can also raise pilot workload in a go-around.
A go-around happens when pilots abandon a landing attempt. They apply power, climb away and set up another approach. The panel judged that the extra workload did not create a safety concern.
MAX 10 Path Reopens
The MAX 10 is the largest member of the 737 MAX family. Earlier this week, the FAA paused its certification pending the software analysis. That analysis is now complete.
Aviation officials believe approval could come as soon as later this month. Jefferies, in a research note, said certification could happen before year-end. Neither timeline is confirmed. Certification remains a separate decision still ahead.
MAX 7 Shares the Software
The finding matters beyond the MAX 10. The same software runs on the MAX 7. The FAA certified that variant in August. Airlines flying it now have a clearer answer from the regulator.
Airlines Watch Closely
The issue could have affected Southwest Airlines, given the shared MAX 7 software. Alaska Airlines and United Airlines have both ordered the MAX 10. A lengthy delay could have disrupted their fleet planning.
Jefferies estimated Boeing has nearly 1,500 MAX 10s on order. That backlog explains why each regulatory step draws close attention across the airline industry.
Guidance Comes Next
An FAA official said Boeing will issue a bulletin to airlines. It will explain how crews should recognise and respond to the situation. The FAA will add a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin. That notice goes to US airlines and foreign regulators. It ensures they are aware of Boeing’s guidance.
Major US airlines had chosen not to use the affected software version during the review.
Approval Still Pending
The software glitch is now a matter for crew awareness, not a safety issue. That clears one obstacle from the MAX 10’s long certification path. It does not certify the aircraft. That decision still rests with the FAA.
