Overview
- The problem became public Saturday after reports showed Boeing told operators last month that certain flight‑management software can cause the vertical navigation system (VNAV) to disengage when crews perform a missed approach and then change a programmed flight path.
- VNAV automatically manages an aircraft’s planned altitude profile so its loss forces pilots to fly with simpler autopilot modes or manually at a high‑workload, low‑altitude phase of flight.
- Boeing has sent interim guidance to airlines recommending a system reset after specific missed approaches, said engineers are developing a permanent software update, and the company is trying to accelerate a fix first targeted for 2028.
- The FAA said it will convene a Corrective Action Review Board to assess safety implications, and some major carriers including Southwest and United have declined deliveries of jets with the affected software versions (notably v14 and v14.1).
- It is unclear how many MAX jets run the affected software because airlines are not required to report installs to Boeing, and regulators warn the review could affect certification or delivery timing for the MAX 10 and complicate introduction of the MAX 7.