737 MAX Software Issue May Disrupt Automated Landing Guidance
What Happened
Boeing has identified a software glitch in certain 737 MAX aircraft that could cause an automated navigation and flight-guidance feature to become unavailable during a specific landing scenario. The issue can occur when pilots change the aircraft's planned flight path after a missed approach. Boeing said it informed airlines about the problem last month and is developing a software update to permanently fix it.
Key Takeaways
While Boeing says existing pilot procedures can safely manage the situation, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a review to assess whether the glitch poses a safety risk. The issue could potentially affect certification timelines for newer MAX variants, including the MAX 10, and has already prompted some airlines to request aircraft with older software versions.