FAA finds Boeing 737 MAX software flaw poses no safety risk

A new bump in the sky

The Boeing 737 MAX is one of the world’s most widely used commercial aircraft families. Boeing says more than 1 million passengers fly on a 737 MAX every day across its global network of operators.

A recently disclosed software issue involving certain flight-management computer versions has drawn attention from airlines and regulators. The problem was first reported to Boeing in November 2024 but became public in September 2026. The FAA has since concluded that it does not pose a flight-safety risk.

What is the Boeing 737 MAX?

The Boeing 737 MAX is the newest version of Boeing’s famous 737 jet. Airlines love it because it saves fuel and flies smoothly on short and medium routes.

You’ve probably seen these planes at airports with airlines like Southwest, United, and American. They’re a big part of how Americans get around the country every day.

The glitch hiding in the software

Boeing did not just discover the software issue. An airline first reported the behavior to Boeing in November 2024, and additional operator feedback eventually prompted a formal safety review in 2026.

The problem can occur during a specific sequence involving a precision approach with autopilot engaged, followed by a go-around or missed approach and changes to the programmed flight path. Under those conditions, the aircraft’s vertical navigation function, known as VNAV, can disengage.

What exactly goes wrong?

During a specific missed approach scenario involving a precision approach with autopilot engaged, changing the programmed route can cause the flight management computer’s vertical navigation mode (VNAV) to disengage.

The aircraft then transitions to a simpler form of automated pitch control. Boeing says the autopilot can remain engaged, but pilots must take additional steps to manage the aircraft’s vertical flight path and maintain the correct altitude. The FAA examined the resulting increase in pilot workload during the go-around.

Why are pilots paying attention?

A go-around is already a demanding phase of flight, and losing VNAV can require crews to take additional steps while managing altitude, aircraft configuration, communications, and navigation. Pilots still control the aircraft, and Boeing says existing procedures address the scenario.

An airline source interviewed by CBS News questioned whether the software behavior could introduce extra distraction during an already busy moment. The FAA specifically examined the potential increase in pilot workload before concluding on October 2 that the issue does not pose a flight-safety risk.

Boeing’s response to the issue

Boeing informed 737 operators about the software issue in late August 2026. The company reinforced existing pilot procedures and began developing a permanent software update. On October 2, the FAA’s Corrective Action Review Board concluded that the issue does not pose a flight-safety risk.

Boeing has said the autopilot can continue operating even if VNAV disengages, although crews may need to take additional steps to manage the aircraft’s vertical flight path. The company is also developing updated guidance and a permanent software correction.

Little-known fact: By June 2026, Boeing said the 737 MAX had more than 7,200 orders, surpassing the 737 Next Generation’s 7,159 total orders.

The FAA completes its safety review

The Federal Aviation Administration reviewed the 737 MAX software issue with Boeing, airlines, and other stakeholders. The agency’s Corrective Action Review Board met on October 2 to assess whether the problem posed a flight safety risk.

The FAA concluded that it does not pose a safety risk because pilots retain full control of the aircraft and cockpit indications are unambiguous. The agency said it plans to issue a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin to inform U.S. and international operators about the issue.

When did Boeing first learn?

Boeing first heard about this issue in November 2024 from an airline. At the time, the company decided it did not meet the bar for a formal safety review. Then, in 2026, Boeing received more information from operators.

That new feedback pushed the company to launch a formal safety review. Boeing shared its findings with the FAA in September 2026 and is now working to speed up both the software fix and new pilot guidance.

Little-known fact: Boeing says the 737 MAX improved on the Next-Generation 737’s range with the ability to fly more than 3,500 nautical miles, an increase of 340 to 570 nautical miles.

Airlines saying not yet

Some major airlines are holding off on new planes with the glitchy software. Southwest and United both told Boeing they’ll stick with the older version for now. That means they won’t accept deliveries of aircraft with the affected operating system.

Alaska, American, Southwest, and United all confirmed their current 737 MAX fleets don’t use the affected software. That’s good news for flyers. It also shows airlines are taking a careful, trust-but-verify approach with Boeing.

Which software versions are affected?

The glitch shows up in versions 14 and 14.1 of the flight computer software. The 737 MAX 7 was certified with version 14. The MAX 10 was using version 14.1 during testing. Not every MAX in the sky runs these versions, so many planes aren’t impacted.

Boeing said it was working on an accurate count, since airlines aren’t required to report software upgrades. According to aviation data firm Cirium, there are 2,422 MAX 8 and 9 models flying worldwide.

What does this mean for the MAX 10?

The FAA temporarily delayed certification of the 737 MAX 10 while it evaluated the software issue. The MAX 10 is the largest member of the 737 MAX family and had been nearing certification before the review began.

On October 2, the FAA concluded the software issue poses no safety risk, clearing a key certification hurdle. Reuters reported MAX 10 approval could come later in October, with roughly 1,500 aircraft on order.

A rough history for the MAX

The 737 MAX has faced intense scrutiny over the past several years. Two deadly crashes in 2018 and 2019 led to a worldwide grounding.

A door plug incident on an Alaska Airlines 737-9 MAX flight in 2024 added more scrutiny. Boeing is working to rebuild trust with regulators and the public.

Want to see where the future of air travel could take off next? Check out how the FAA picked eight flying taxi projects across 26 states.

What happens next?

Boeing has been developing a permanent software fix initially targeted for early 2028, while updated pilot guidance had been planned for November 2026. The company has said it is working to significantly accelerate both efforts.

On October 2, the FAA’s Corrective Action Review Board concluded the software issue poses no flight-safety risk because pilots retain control. Boeing and regulators will continue software work as MAX 10 certification efforts move forward.

Want to see how airline workers are pushing back on the FAA? Check out how California airline workers challenge a disputed new FAA policy.

What’s your take on the 737 MAX software glitch? Does it change how you feel about flying on one? Share your thoughts in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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