Boeing Gets FAA Nod: Boeing has received the green light from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to commence certification flight testing for its 737 MAX 10, the largest variant of its popular jet targeting the narrowbody market’s summit. Boeing’s shares saw a 1.1% uptick following the confirmation of type inspection authorization for the 737 MAX 10 by the FAA. This significant milestone allows FAA pilots to participate in the necessary flight testing to certify the aircraft for standard operations.
In a letter to employees, Boeing executives emphasized the importance of this step in the certification process. Mike Fleming, Boeing’s Senior Vice President for Development Programs, along with 737 Program Head Ed Clark and Testing Lead Wayne Tygert, expressed their enthusiasm for achieving this milestone, marking progress toward getting the 737 MAX 10 certified for passenger service globally.
The 737 MAX 10 is Boeing’s response to Airbus’s A321neo, a formidable competitor in the top segment of the single-aisle market. The certification and delivery schedule for the MAX 10, set for 2024, remains on track according to Boeing executives. However, they emphasized that safety considerations would dictate the certification timeline.
Boeing’s MAX 10 has undergone extensive testing, with over 400 flights and nearly 1,000 flight hours logged so far. Meanwhile, the MAX 7, the smallest variant in the 737 MAX family, is awaiting FAA certification, expected by the end of 2023, with first deliveries anticipated in 2024 after a delay announced in July. The ongoing developments signal Boeing’s efforts to compete effectively in the evolving aviation landscape.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Has the FAA cleared the 737 MAX?
In November 2020, the FAA gave the green light for 737 MAX planes to take flight in the U.S. However, the aftermath of the crashes resulted in the departure of key Boeing leaders, a criminal probe, and a significant financial blow to the company.
When was the 737 MAX ungrounded?
In November 2020, the FAA lifted the grounding order on the 737 MAX, allowing it to fly again. Following this, in December 2020, Congress passed legislation to reform the FAA’s certification process for new airplanes. This includes a requirement for manufacturers to disclose safety-critical information to the FAA.
Which Boeing CEO threatens to cancel 737 MAX 10 unless Congress acts?
Boeing’s CEO, Dave Calhoun, issued a warning in 2022 that the Max 10 could face cancellation if Congress didn’t revise a law that allowed the jet to be certified without adhering to the safety regulations for crew alerting systems outlined in the 2020 Aircraft Certification, Safety and Accountability Act.
Why did Boeing add MCAS?
Boeing’s MCAS system was created to engage during manual flight, when the flaps are up and the Angle of Attack (AOA) is high. To further safeguard against inaccurate AOA sensor readings, the company has developed a software update for MCAS. This update adds extra layers of protection to the system.