Full Breakdown
FAA Determines Boeing 737 MAX 10 Software Glitch Not a Flight-Safety Issue
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Review Board Clears the Glitch
The Federal Aviation Administration’s Corrective Action Review Board concluded that a software anomaly affecting certain Boeing 737 MAX aircraft does not constitute a safety-of-flight concern. “The FAA's Corrective Action Review Board made that determination because pilots retain full control of the aircraft and the indications to the flight crew are clear and unambiguous.” — July. Boeing
Background & Context
The 737 MAX family has faced years of regulatory scrutiny following earlier safety and manufacturing problems. The smallest variant, the MAX 7, received FAA certification on August 3. The larger MAX 10, the final model in the lineup, remains uncertified pending resolution of the software issue. Boeing first alerted operators to the problem in August 2026; the glitch traces back to versions 14 and 14.1 of the flight-management software supplied by GE Aerospace. Boeing’s internal review began after an airline report in November 2024 and a February 2025 assessment that deemed the issue non-critical.
Data & Statistics
- Affected software: FMC versions 14 and 14.1.
- Trigger scenario: During a precision approach, if pilots execute a go-around, then modify the programmed flight path, the aircraft may disengage vertical navigation (VNAV) and revert to a lower-level automation mode.
- Resulting workload: Pilots must manually select the appropriate mode and manage the vertical profile, increasing cockpit workload during a phase already close to the ground.
Official Statements & Responses
- FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford explained that the agency will keep the MAX 10 certification on hold until it is satisfied the issue poses no safety risk. “We haven’t concluded whether this is a safety of flight issue or not, but we will be delaying the 10 until we’re satisfied we don’t have an issue here,” — Bryan Bedford, FAA administrator
- Boeing announced it is developing a permanent software update and may propose additional pilot training. The company also reiterated that existing procedures allow crews to handle the condition safely.
- Airlines such as Alaska, American, Southwest, United and WestJet confirmed that their current fleets either do not use the affected software version or have experienced no related incidents. Southwest and United have indicated they will not accept new deliveries equipped with the problematic version.
Impact on Certification and Deliveries
The FAA’s determination removes an immediate safety barrier but does not lift the certification hold on the MAX 10. Customers with large orders—including Alaska’s commitment to 105 aircraft (plus 35 options) and United’s commitment to more than 160—remain dependent on a cleared certification. Boeing’s ability to accelerate the software fix could shorten the delay, but no firm timeline has been provided.
What’s Next
The FAA’s Corrective Action Review Board will meet on Friday to finalize its assessment and issue a special bulletin outlining how airlines should recognize and respond to the glitch if it occurs. Boeing and GE Aerospace continue work on a revised software version, while the agency monitors any new information that could alter its position.