Industry New 737 MAX MCAS Software ready for certification

After simulator testing and several test flights, Boeing is now ready to present the updated MCAS system to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for certification. The manufacturer stated, that it has performed 360 hours on 207 flights with the updated version.

The manufacturer is now providing additional information and statistics in order to satisfy the requests of the FAA. These requests include details on how pilots react and interact with the controls of the aircraft and the displays in different flight scenarios. Boeing said, that once all requests have been addressed, a certification test flight and a final certification documentation will be elaborated with the FAA.

Boeing Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Muilenburg commented: “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 [...] 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.”

Moreover, Boeing has released that it has made corrections to 737 MAX simulator software. The manufacturer recently admitted that the simulators had software flaws. Most likely, these mistakes have led to the happening of two 737 MAX crashes.

The manufacturer stated: "Boeing has made corrections to the 737 MAX simulator software and has provided additional information to device operators to ensure that the simulator experience is representative across different flight conditions."

These enhanced training and educational materials are now being reviewed by the FAA, too. Additionally, airline customers and global regulators will have their say before return-to-service of the 737 MAX 8 fleet.