Boeing identifies 737 Max software glitch that may prompt delays

New business data points to the fact that Boeing Co. stated it identified an offering with the 737 Max jet’s navigation system that could gain pilot workload during landing and may delay the arrival of its latest narrowbody models.

“Last month, we informed all 737 operators around a software offering where pilots may not have access to automated flight guidance during a specific landing scenario,” Boeing stated in a statement. “We shared information with operators that reinforced existing pilot procedures for safely handling such cases.”

The US Federal Aviation Administration separately stated it was convening a review board to determine whether the glitch presents a flight-safety offering. If it does, that could delay certification of Boeing’s new 737 Max 10 and complicate the entry into service of the recently approved Max 7.

The software glitch can occur when a pilot needs to abort a landing attempt. The airplane’s autopilot is forced into a simpler level of automation for pitch control, which increases pilot workload compared to the standard mode used, the firm stated.

The Wall Street Journal noted earlier on the software glitch and its potential impact to Boeing’s certification schedule.

A permanent fix for the offering was originally slated for 2028, though the planemaker stated it is working to accelerate that. In the meantime, a bulletin is being developed for pilots at 737 Max operators.