Boeing 737 MAX has unusual control challenge
Boeing Co said on Sunday it was finalising the development of a software upgrade and a revision of pilot training for its 737 MAX, the plane that has suffered two fatal crashes in the last five months while investigations continue.
The updates are intended to address how the aircraft’s flight control system – MCAS (Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System) – responds to erroneous sensor inputs, Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Dennis Muilenburg said in a statement.
According to him,”As part of our standard practice following any accident, we examine our aircraft design and operation, and when appropriate, institute product updates to further improve safety”.
The company further said it will also continue to provide technical assistance at the request of and under the direction of the National Transportation Safety Board, – U.S. Accredited Representative working with Ethiopian investigators.
“In accordance with international protocol, all inquiries about the ongoing accident investigation must be directed to the investigating authorities”.
Ethiopia said on Sunday that the crash had “clear similarities” with a Lion Air crash in Indonesia in October, according to initial analysis of the black boxes recovered from the wreckage of the March 10 disaster.
Concern over the plane’s safety caused aviation authorities worldwide to ground the model.
Boeing has been working on a software upgrade for an anti-stall system and pilot displays on the 737 MAX, its fastest-selling jetliner, following the deadly Lion Air crash, and has said it was updating pilot training as well.
One idea for revised training is an additional 10-15 minute iPad course that would explain the new software, according to Dennis Tajer, a spokesman for the American Airlines pilot union and a 737 pilot.
However, specific new pilot training is not expected to be defined until the software fix is in place, industry sources said.
Boeing plans to release upgraded software for its 737 MAX in a week to 10 days, sources familiar with the matter said on Friday.
Boeing did not immediately return a request for comment.
