Boeing has released a statement today stating that it has completed the work on the software fix that is intended for the 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The 737 MAX 8 aircraft, as you all might remember, has been grounded since March after the crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and Boeing has been under heavy fire since while taking monetary damages and facing investigations.
Boeing says that the company has finished the software fix and has texted it for over 360 hours during the course of test flights that amount to a total of 207. Extensive simulator testing has also been carried out to assess the software fix. However, the software fix for 737 MAX 8 aircraft has to await approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before it can be installed on the grounded planes.
The statement reads, ‘Boeing is now providing additional information to address Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requests that include detail on how pilots interact with the airplane controls and displays in different flight scenarios. Once the requests are addressed, Boeing will work with the FAA to schedule its certification test flight and submit final certification documentation.’
Boeing had claimed previously that the software fix for the aircraft was ready a few weeks ago but then backed away from the claim after a review highlighted some concerns. Boeing hasn’t given any information about those concerns nor has mentioned if those concerns have been addressed.
Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing Chairman, President, and CEO, said, ‘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.’
