Boeing has completed development of the updated software for the 737 MAX, along with associated simulator testing and the company’s engineering test flight, the aircraft manufacturer states, adding that to date, it has flown the 737 MAX with updated MCAS software for more than 360 hours on 207 flights.
Boeing’s 737 MAX was grounded worldwide following two fatal accidents – that of a Lion Air flight and an Ethiopian flight – operated separately by B 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
Boeing states that it is now providing additional information to address Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requests that include detail on how pilots interact with the airplane controls and displays in different flight scenarios. Once the requests are addressed, Boeing will work with the FAA to schedule its certification test flight and submit final certification documentation.
“With safety as our clear priority, we have completed all of the engineering test flights for the software update and are preparing for the final certification flight,” said Boeing Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Muilenburg. “We’re committed to providing the FAA and global regulators all the information they need, and to getting it right. We’re making clear and steady progress and are confident that the 737 MAX with updated MCAS software will be one of the safest airplanes ever to fly. The accidents have only intensified our commitment to our values, including safety, quality and integrity, because we know lives depend on what we do.”
In addition, Boeing has developed enhanced training and education materials that are now being reviewed with the FAA, global regulators, and airline customers to support return-to-service and longer-term operations. This includes a series of regional customer conferences being conducted around the world.
Meanwhile, Ethiopian states: “Any effort that is being made to divert public attention from the flight control system problem of the airplane is a futile exercise because it is not based on factually correct analysis. The fact that the entire world have grounded more than 370 B737 Max 8 airplanes speaks loud and clear that the airplane has a problem.”
Ethiopian further states: “The preliminary accident investigation report, which has been conducted by a joint team from Ethiopia, USA, France and EASA, has made it abundantly clear that the Ethiopian Airlines’ pilots have followed the procedures of the aircraft manufacturer.”