Overview
- Boeing disclosed that a recent cockpit/flight‑management software version can make some automated flight guidance unavailable when pilots change a flight path after a missed approach and that the condition was first flagged to the company by an operator in November 2024.
- The FAA, which announced the hold on certification on September 30, said it will not approve the long‑delayed 737 MAX 10 until the software issue is resolved and it plans to convene a Corrective Action Review Board to decide any further steps.
- Regulators and the U.S. Transportation Secretary have said they do not see a need to ground in‑service MAX jets and stressed that pilots retain manual control, while the FAA warned the flaw can increase pilot workload during critical go‑around maneuvers.
- Boeing has told airlines it is issuing interim procedures that teach crews how to restore the automated function and is developing a permanent software update that it is trying to accelerate from an earlier target date.
- Major carriers including United and Southwest have asked Boeing to defer deliveries of aircraft with the affected software, delivery schedules for the MAX 10 are now pushed back, and the FAA review board’s findings will determine whether regulators require further fixes or operational limits.