737 MAX software flaw carries no safety risk: FAA

Dhaka: The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has determined that a software problem affecting some Boeing 737 MAX aircraft poses no flight-safety risk, removing a hurdle that had delayed certification of the MAX 10, the largest variant of the family.

The agency's Corrective Action Review Board reached the conclusion on October 2 after reviewing the issue, which can leave pilots without automated flight guidance during a specific go-around scenario.

The FAA said pilots retain full control of the aircraft, and the indications to the flight crew are clear and unambiguous.

Boeing disclosed the problem on September 26, saying it had notified operators and was developing a software update.

The issue can occur if pilots change the missed-approach route programmed into the flight management computer during a go-around. The vertical navigation mode, known as VNAV, can then disengage, requiring the crew to intervene to maintain the correct altitude.

Boeing said the autopilot continues to function even if VNAV disengages. The FAA's concern was the added pilot workload during the maneuver.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford earlier said the agency would hold off certifying the MAX 10 until it assessed the software.

United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Ryanair are among the carriers awaiting the MAX 10. Lufthansa Group also exercised options for 20 of the aircraft in September.

United and Southwest had asked Boeing to deliver new MAX aircraft with an earlier software version before the ruling.

WestJet, which already operates aircraft with the affected software, said it had experienced no related in-service issues.