Stories
Boeing 737 MAX Software Glitch: Automation Risk During Second Landing Attempt
- •Boeing identified a software issue in its 737 MAX aircraft that could reduce automation during a second landing attempt.
- •The company has issued guidance to airlines, advising them to reset the system after a second landing attempt as a precautionary measure.
- •Indian carriers Air India Express and Akasa Air operate a combined fleet of 96 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
- •Akasa Air confirmed close coordination with Boeing, stating the issue has no impact on the safety of its operations.
- •This Boeing issue follows a separate quality concern identified by Airbus regarding surface protection coating on A321Neo aircraft.
Key Questions Answered
Boeing identified a software glitch that can cause the automated flight guidance system to disengage or reduce automation during a second landing attempt or aborted landing. This forces the autopilot into a simpler pitch control level, increasing pilot workload.
In India, Air India Express operates 53 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and Akasa Air operates 43, giving the two carriers a combined fleet of about 96 such planes. Akasa Air stated that the issue has not affected the safety of its operations and that it is coordinating closely with Boeing.
Boeing has issued guidance and is developing a bulletin for 737 MAX operators to reinforce existing pilot procedures. The planemaker advised airline partners to reset the system after completing a second landing attempt and is working to accelerate a permanent fix.
