Boeing identified a software glitch in its 737 Max jets that could cause automated flight guidance to disengage during aborted landings, prompting the FAA to investigate.
Boeing revealed a software issue affecting the 737 Max’s automated vertical navigation system, which could leave pilots without access to advanced flight guidance after a missed approach. The flaw, first flagged in November 2024, was traced to a software update and could force pilots to manually reengage automated systems during subsequent landings, increasing workload during high-stress scenarios. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed it is reviewing Boeing’s proposed fix and has initiated a Corrective Action Review Board (CARB) to assess safety concerns.
Software Glitch Details and Pilot Workload Concerns
The issue arises when pilots alter a preprogrammed flight path during a missed approach, causing the vertical navigation (VNAV) system to disengage. Pilots would then need to manually re-enable automation, a process described by one airline source as introducing distractions at the worst possible moment.
Boeing emphasized that pilots are trained to handle landings without VNAV and is working on a software update to resolve the problem permanently. However, industry experts warned that the extra steps could strain crews during critical phases of flight.
The glitch affects versions 14 and 14.1 of the flight management computer’s operating system. Southwest Airlines and United Airlines have rejected deliveries of planes with the affected software, opting for older versions. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest confirmed their fleets do not use the problematic software. Boeing initially deemed the issue non-safety-critical in February 2025 but revisited it after receiving additional information from operators earlier this year.
FAA Scrutiny and Certification Delays
The FAA stated it is aware of a potential issue
and will take immediate action if it identifies a safety concern.
The agency’s review could further delay the certification of the 737 Max 10, the largest variant in the series, which was days away from approval but has faced years of delays. The Max 7, certified in early August with the latest software, may also face scrutiny. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg previously anticipated FAA approval for the Max 10 “very soon,” but the glitch has introduced uncertainty.
The issue resurfaced amid Boeing’s ongoing efforts to recover from two 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019, which killed 346 people, and a 2024 incident where a door panel blew off an Alaska Airlines flight. The agency’s statement emphasized it would take immediate action if it identifies a safety concern,
but no timeline for resolution has been provided.
Airlines’ Reactions and Software Workarounds
U.S. airlines have largely avoided the affected software, with Southwest and United explicitly rejecting deliveries. Boeing confirmed it is working with airlines to formalize procedures for reenabling VNAV, but the process remains under review. The FAA’s certification of the Max 7, which uses the latest software, has not been delayed, though questions linger about whether older versions can be retrofitted. A Boeing spokesperson reiterated that pilots are trained to safely land without VNAV,
but the incident highlights ongoing trust issues between airlines and Boeing following past safety failures.
With 2,430 Max aircraft in service globally, the glitch underscores the challenges Boeing faces in regaining regulatory and public confidence. The FAA’s CARB review, expected to conclude in the coming weeks, will determine whether the software update is sufficient or if further action is needed. For now, the agency’s cautious approach reflects the high stakes of ensuring safety in a fleet already marked by a troubled history.