FAA panel reviewing 737 MAX certification will take additional time

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

BUSINESS NEWS AUGUST 30, 2019 / 2:46 PM / UPDATED AN HOUR AGO

FAA panel reviewing 737 MAX certification will take additional time

David Shepardson
3 MIN READ

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Federal Aviation Administration said on Friday a blue-ribbon panel of experts around the world will need a few more weeks to finish its review into the Boeing 737 MAX certification.

The team, which is reviewing the approval of the now grounded jet involved in two fatal crashes since October, is taking additional time to finish documenting its work and the FAA said it expects its recommendations in the coming weeks.

Boeing Co (BA.N) has said it hopes to receive regulatory approval for updated flight control software at the center of both crashes in October, but it could take a month or two for airlines to train pilots on the new software and prepare the jets for commercial flight after sitting idle for months.

The Joint Authorities Technical Review is chaired by former National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Christopher Hart, and the FAA said its focus on the certification of the aircraft “is separate from the ongoing efforts to safely return the aircraft to flight.”

-snip-

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ethiopia-airplane-faa/faa-panel-reviewing-737-max-certification-will-take-additional-time-idUSKCN1VK2B4

[OAITW r.2.0]

1. So what's taking them so long to figure it out and fox the problem?

Seems like the problem was understood quickly after the 2nd crash. I think it was both hardware and software related....so why do long to cr up with a fix? This is costing Boeing billions, seems like they would have gotten a solution in place now.

[Major Nikon]

2. Most likely it's an easy fix

The harder part is getting through the approval process. There’s also other issues involved like pilot training which involves taking pilots off the line and sending them through the simulator.

[OAITW r.2.0]

3. That makes sense.

Still, I'd think it would be in Boeing and all airlines to get the training done on an expedited basis.

[Major Nikon]

4. It is

But it’s also in their interest and more importantly in the FAA’s interest to make sure there are no more crashes.