FAA clears 737 MAX glitch as non‑safety issue

On Oct. 2, 2026, the Federal Aviation Administration’s Corrective Action Review Board determined that a recently identified software glitch in certain Boeing (BA) 737 MAX flight computers is not a flight-safety concern. The panel concluded that, when the condition occurs, pilots maintain full control of the aircraft and that indications presented to the crew are clear and unambiguous.

The assessment follows a detailed review of the affected flight-management software. The finding means the glitch does not require immediate safety-of-flight restrictions, even though it affects how some automated systems behave in specific approach scenarios.

Boeing (BA) has stated that the software issue can arise after a missed approach, when pilots modify a preprogrammed flight path in the flight computer. Under these circumstances, additional pilot actions may be needed on a subsequent approach to restore or use certain automated navigation functions.

The condition relates to how the flight computer manages automation rather than to basic aircraft controllability. The FAA’s conclusion that cockpit indications remain clear supports the view that crews are able to recognize and manage the situation using established procedures.

The FAA plans to issue a special bulletin to airlines explaining how to identify the software condition and outlining steps crews should take if it occurs. The agency also indicated it may issue a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin to U.S. carriers and foreign regulators to share the guidance more broadly.

Major U.S. airlines have reported that their 737 MAX fleets are not affected because they can revert to earlier versions of the flight software. While a permanent software correction is being developed, operators are relying on these earlier versions and on interim procedures to avoid exposure to the glitch.

By determining that the software glitch is not a safety concern, the FAA has removed a late regulatory obstacle that had the potential to complicate certification of the 737 MAX 10, the largest variant in the MAX family. The finding streamlines the path for the type’s review by eliminating the need for major redesign or immediate safety-driven changes tied to this specific issue.

The decision does not, however, constitute certification of the 737 MAX 10. The aircraft still must satisfy all remaining regulatory requirements before it can enter commercial service, including any additional testing or compliance demonstrations unrelated to the software glitch.