Overview
- Boeing confirmed late Saturday that engineers found a software defect in the 737 MAX automatic-landing/navigation system that can appear after a software update.
- The problem can occur when crews abort a landing and then change the planned route, which may make the plane’s automated vertical navigation unavailable for the next approach.
- Boeing said it informed all 737 operators in August, issued existing pilot procedures crews can follow to manage the condition, and is developing a permanent software fix.
- Reports say Southwest and United have asked Boeing to pause deliveries of jets with the affected software and to provide an earlier software version instead, and the FAA said it is coordinating with Boeing and carriers and will act if safety concerns arise.
- It is still unclear how many in-service 737 MAX jets carry the faulty software, a detail that will shape regulatory steps, delivery decisions and how much extra workload pilots may face in routine operations.