The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into a software glitch affecting certain Boeing 737 Max aircraft that could complicate aborted landings, raising fresh concerns about the troubled jet’s reliability and potentially delaying certification of new variants.
The Software Problem
Boeing discovered a flaw in versions 14 and 14.1 of the Max’s flight management computer operating system. During rare circumstances involving a missed approach with autopilot engaged, the vertical navigation system can unexpectedly disengage, forcing pilots to take additional corrective steps. This scenario typically occurs at low altitude when flight crews already face heavy workloads. The vertical navigation system normally maintains pre-planned altitudes at various waypoints along a flight path automatically.
Boeing told CBS News that autopilot continues functioning even when the navigation system disengages, and all pilots receive training to land safely without it. The company notified operators last month and called the issue non-critical in its safety bulletin. Boeing engineers are developing a permanent software fix while reinforcing existing pilot procedures for handling such situations.
Timeline Raises Questions
An airline first reported the problem to Boeing in November 2024. The manufacturer reviewed it and concluded in February 2025 that it posed no safety threat. However, additional operator reports this year prompted Boeing to convene a formal safety review board. The board’s findings reached the FAA this month, triggering the Corrective Action Review Board process. Boeing initially projected a software fix would arrive in 2028 but now says it will accelerate that timeline.
Impact on Airlines and Certification
Southwest Airlines and United Airlines refuse to accept new aircraft with the affected operating system, choosing earlier software versions instead. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest, and United confirmed their current Max fleets do not use the problematic software. The FAA review could delay certification of the 737 Max 10, the largest Max variant already years behind schedule. It may also slow deliveries of the recently certified Max 7, with Southwest holding nearly all orders for that model.
What This Means
Major carriers are adopting a cautious stance toward Boeing following previous Max groundings and manufacturing delays. Southwest was scheduled to receive Max 7 deliveries this fall, while Alaska Airlines expected to launch Max 10 service. The investigation underscores ongoing scrutiny of Boeing’s quality control and certification processes, particularly concerning a platform that faced worldwide grounding after two fatal crashes. The FAA stated it will take immediate action if safety concerns emerge during its review.
