FAA Examines Boeing 737 Max Flight-System Issue

Federal aviation officials are reviewing a software defect found in some Boeing 737 Max aircraft. In a missed landing, a flight computer could drop VNAV, the feature that manages planned altitude changes at points along the route. Autopilot would remain available, but pilots might have to perform extra steps while preparing for another approach.

The situation involves a precision approach with autopilot running, followed by changes to the programmed flight plan. It would arise near an airport at low altitude, when cockpit workloads are already heavy. Boeing says operators were notified last month and given reminders about existing procedures. The company is developing a permanent software update and plans revised pilot guidance for November; an earlier estimate put the fix in 2028, though Boeing is trying to move faster.

The FAA says it is coordinating with Boeing and airlines and will convene a Corrective Action Review Board. Boeing’s own review reached the FAA this month after the company received additional operator information earlier this year. Southwest and United have declined new aircraft using the affected operating-system version, while Alaska, American, Southwest and United say their active Max fleets do not use it. The review could push back certification of the Max 10 and deliveries of the Max 7, which matters to Simi Valley residents who rely on those airlines for commuting or family travel.