The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that a recently discovered software glitch in certain Boeing 737 Max aircraft does not pose a flight-safety risk. This decision clears a significant obstacle for the certification of the Boeing 737 Max 10, which is the final model in Boeing’s popular 737 Max family. The aircraft manufacturer had reported the software issue last month, causing a review by the FAA to assess whether the glitch impacted critical flight operations, particularly during specific landing procedures.

The FAA’s Corrective Action Review Board, composed of experts in various aviation disciplines, concluded that pilots maintain full control and clear situational awareness despite the software anomaly. Boeing explained that the issue might occur after a missed approach when pilots adjust a preprogrammed flight course, requiring them to perform additional steps to utilize automated systems on subsequent approaches. To address this, the FAA plans to issue a special bulletin to airlines, aimed at guiding pilots on identifying and managing the software behavior if it occurs during flights.

Airlines operating the 737 Max series have not been impacted by this glitch because they continue using older versions of the software. Although the problem raised concerns about delays in the certification timeline for the Max 10, airlines such as Alaska Airlines and Ryanair, both customers of the model, have downplayed worries about the certification process. The Max 10, the largest variant in Boeing’s Max lineup, is critical for Boeing as the company strives to deliver new aircraft following previous challenges related to safety and production.

This FAA determination comes after the agency recently approved the Max 7 in August and signals progress toward completing the Max family’s certification cycle. Boeing’s ability to resolve the software glitch and secure certification for the Max 10 will be vital as the manufacturer works to regain momentum in selling and delivering these jets. The FAA, however, remains open to reevaluating the issue should new information arise, underscoring its ongoing commitment to aviation safety.