FAA probes Boeing 737 Max software glitch that could affect go‑around operations
The Federal Aviation Administration has opened an investigation into a software glitch on certain Boeing 737 Max aircraft that could cause the vertical navigation (VNAV) system to disengage during an aborted landing. Boeing has acknowledged the problem, is working on a software update, and airlines…
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a formal inquiry into a software defect that could cause the vertical navigation (VNAV) system on some Boeing 737 Max jets to disengage during a go‑around. A go‑around is an aborted landing in which the aircraft climbs back to a safe altitude after a missed approach. The glitch, found in versions 14 and 14.1 of the 737 Max flight‑management computer operating system, may force pilots to take manual steps that add workload during already stressful low‑altitude approaches.
What the glitch does and why it matters
During a precision approach with autopilot engaged, pilots may alter the pre‑programmed flight plan. In rare circumstances, the software flaw can cause the VNAV system to disengage and switch to a less sophisticated pitch‑control mode. VNAV normally keeps the aircraft at the planned altitude at key waypoints. When it disengages, pilots lose that automated altitude hold and must manually maintain the correct flight path. The FAA and Boeing say the autopilot will remain active, and pilots are trained to land safely without VNAV. However, the loss of automated altitude guidance during a go‑around could increase the risk of a runway excursion or other mishap, especially in congested or low‑visibility airport environments.
Boeing’s response and airline actions
Boeing first learned of the issue from an airline in November 2024. The company initially assessed the problem in February 2025 and deemed it not an immediate safety concern. After receiving additional information from operators earlier in the year, Boeing convened a formal safety review board. The board’s findings were forwarded to the FAA this month and will be examined by the Corrective Action Review Board (CARB).
In a bulletin sent to airlines late last month, Boeing explained that the glitch is present only in operating system versions 14 and 14.1. The company stated that all pilots are trained to land without VNAV and that autopilot will continue to function even if VNAV disengages. Boeing is working on a software update to permanently fix the issue and has promised a fix by 2028, though it is accelerating the timeline. The company also plans to issue updated pilot guidance in November.
Several U.S. airlines have taken a cautious stance. Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines have all confirmed that none of their in‑service 737 Max fleets use the problematic software version. They have also told Boeing that they will not accept delivery of new aircraft running the affected operating system, opting instead for a previous version. Southwest, which is set to receive the 737 Max 7 this fall, and Alaska Airlines, the launch customer for the 737 Max 10, are both waiting for the software to be cleared.
Potential impact on 737 Max 10 certification and deliveries
The FAA review could delay the certification of the 737 Max 10, the largest variant of the family. The Max 10 had been expected to receive FAA certification in the near future, but the delay could push back the program’s timeline by months or even years. The glitch may also affect deliveries of the recently certified 737 Max 7, which has a large order book largely held by Southwest. The 737 Max line is a key revenue driver for Boeing as it seeks to rebuild its financial position after years of grounding and production issues.
Historically, the 737 Max has been at the center of two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people, largely due to software problems. A more recent incident in January 2024 involved a mid‑flight door panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines flight, which was attributed to manufacturing errors. These events have left airlines wary of relying on Boeing’s software and have prompted them to adopt a “trust‑but‑verify” approach.
Next steps and ongoing monitoring
The FAA has convened a Corrective Action Review Board to examine the findings from Boeing’s safety review. If the board identifies a safety concern, the FAA will take immediate action. Boeing’s engineers are working on a permanent software fix, and airlines are reviewing their procedures to ensure pilots can handle a VNAV disengagement during a go‑around. The FAA’s investigation and the airlines’ procedural reviews will continue until the software issue is fully resolved and the affected aircraft receive certification.
While the FAA and Boeing have not identified an immediate safety risk, the glitch underscores the importance of rigorous software testing and oversight in modern commercial aircraft. Airlines, regulators, and manufacturers will need to collaborate closely to prevent similar issues from affecting flight safety in the future.
Why this matters for passengers and the aviation industry
For passengers, the investigation means that the 737 Max fleet remains under close scrutiny, and airlines are taking proactive steps to ensure safety. For the aviation industry, it highlights the critical role of software reliability in aircraft operations and the need for transparent communication between manufacturers, regulators, and operators.
As the FAA and Boeing work to resolve the glitch, airlines will monitor the situation closely and adjust their training and operational procedures accordingly. The outcome of this investigation will influence the timeline for the 737 Max 10’s certification and the continued deployment of the 737 Max 7, both of which are vital to Boeing’s recovery strategy.
Key facts
- FAA has opened a formal investigation into a software glitch on certain 737 Max jets.
- The glitch can cause the VNAV system to disengage during a go‑around, adding pilot workload.
- Boeing is working on a software update and has promised a fix by 2028, but is accelerating the timeline.
- Several airlines have opted not to accept new aircraft with the affected software version.
- The investigation could delay the certification of the 737 Max 10 and affect deliveries of the 737 Max 7.
- The issue underscores the importance of software reliability in modern aircraft.”]
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Why it matters
The glitch could force pilots to manually manage altitude during a critical go‑around, potentially increasing workload and risk during already stressful low‑altitude approaches. The investigation may delay the certification of the 737 Max 10 and affect deliveries of the 737 Max 7, impacting airlines and Boeing’s recovery plans.
Sources
- [1] cbsnews.com — originally reported as “FAA investigates software glitch in some Boeing 737 Max jets that could cause issues during aborted landings”
