- Boeing flagged a software glitch on some 737 Max aircraft that affects automated approach functions after a missed approach, when pilots alter a preprogrammed flight path and must take additional steps to use automated tools on subsequent approaches.
- The FAA said it is assessing the problem, will take immediate action if it identifies a safety concern, and will review Boeing's proposed fix; Boeing said its engineers are working on a software update to permanently address the issue.
- U.S. operators said the glitch does not affect their fleets: Southwest Airlines said none of its fleet carries Version U.14, and United Airlines said it is not taking Max aircraft deliveries with the new software.
- The FAA certified the smaller Max 7 in early August with the newest software installed, and Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg told investors earlier this month that he expected FAA certification of the Max 10 very soon.
Quotes
“We shared information with operators that reinforced existing pilot procedures for safely handling such cases. Our engineers are working on a software update to permanently address the issue”
“will take immediate action if it identifies a safety concern”
“none of our fleet is equipped with Version U.14, including new deliveries of Max 8 airplanes.”