Software issue puts Boeing MAX 7 and MAX 10 programs under fresh scrutiny

Boeing is facing a new regulatory review of its 737 MAX aircraft family after identifying a flight management software issue that can affect automated vertical navigation during a specific missed-approach scenario.

The issue comes at a sensitive point for Boeing, as the manufacturer approaches certification of the long-delayed 737 MAX 10 and prepares for the commercial introduction of the 737 MAX 7.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it is working with Boeing and airlines to assess the issue and will convene a Corrective Action Review Board (CARB). The agency said it will take immediate action if the review identifies a safety concern.

The software problem was first reported by The Wall Street Journal on September 26, 2026. Boeing has since confirmed the issue to 737 operators and said its engineers are working on a software update to address it permanently.

What is the software issue?

The problem affects certain versions of the flight management computer software and can occur during a specific sequence following a missed approach.

The scenario involves a precision approach with the autopilot engaged, followed by a go-around and changes to the pre-programmed flight path. Under those circumstances, the aircraft’s vertical navigation system, known as VNAV, can disengage.

However, the software issue does not necessarily disable the autopilot. Boeing has said that the autopilot can continue to function even if VNAV disengages, while the aircraft transitions to a less sophisticated form of automated pitch control.

VNAV is used to manage the B737 MAX 10 and B737 MAX 7 vertical flight path, including altitude constraints programmed into the flight management system. If VNAV becomes unavailable in the affected scenario, pilots need to take additional steps to manage the aircraft during the subsequent approach.The concern is therefore primarily related to pilot workload during a critical phase of flight, rather than an immediate loss of aircraft control. The scenario can occur at relatively low altitude, when crews are already managing the go-around, aircraft configuration, communications, and navigation.

Boeing has told operators that existing pilot procedures provide a way to safely manage the situation. The company is also developing a permanent software fix.

The latest FAA review comes as Boeing approaches the final stages of the 737 MAX 10 certification campaign. The newly identified software issue could therefore become an additional consideration for the regulator before MAX 10 receives its type certificate.

For 737 MAX 7, which has already received its FAA type certificate, the key question is whether the software issue requires additional action before or during the aircraft’s introduction into airline service.

Boeing has previously targeted customer deliveries of both the MAX 7 and MAX 10 in 2027.The post Software issue puts Boeing MAX 7 and MAX 10 programs under fresh scrutiny appeared first on AeroTime.

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