FAA Clears Boeing 737 Max Software Glitch for Certification

The Federal Aviation Administration determined on Friday that a software glitch affecting certain Boeing 737 Max flight computers does not pose a flight-safety risk. The issue, which Boeing flagged last month, occurs after a missed approach when pilots alter a preprogrammed flight path, necessitating additional steps to utilize automated tools on subsequent approaches.

The FAA's Corrective Action Review Board concluded that the glitch is not a safety concern because pilots retain full control of the aircraft and receive clear, unambiguous indications. This determination removes a significant hurdle for the certification of the Boeing 737 Max 10, the largest model in the aircraft family, which had been delayed pending this analysis.

To address the issue, the FAA will issue a special bulletin to airlines detailing how to recognize and respond to the glitch. U.S. airlines have stated they remain unaffected, as they maintain the ability to revert to older software versions.