Thu, May 02, 2019
Airlines Would Still Need Weeks To Install Software Updates And Train Pilots
The FAA could approve a return to service of the 737 MAX in late May or early June, but airlines would still need several weeks to install software updates and retrain pilots, according to a report from The Seattle Times.
The paper cites a source "familiar with the safety agency's thinking" for the report. If that timeline holds, the planes could resume revenue service early in August, according to the report.
The FAA held a meeting Monday of its Joint Authorities Technical Review (JATR) meeting to evaluate aspects of the original certification of the Boeing 737 MAX’s automated flight control system. This gathering of international civilian aviation authorities and safety technical experts represents the best spirit of cooperation and collaboration that have contributed to aviation’s strong safety record.
According to the FAA, all participants are committed to a single safety mission, and will not rest where aviation’s safety record is concerned. "We expect the JATR to engage in a free and candid discussion that exchanges information and improves future processes. Their work is not a prerequisite for the 737 MAX to return to service," the agency said in a notice posted to its website.
The FAA says it will continue to share its technical experience and knowledge to support the international aviation community and, specifically over the next three months, the JATR participants.
The timeline would mean a faster return to service than many analysts have predicted. Vertical Research analyst Rob Stallers told Boeing investors that a six-month grounding was likely following a Boeing earnings teleconference last week.
Boeing Chairman and CEO Dennis Muilenburg said on April 17 that the company has conducted 135 test flights on a 737 MAX with the new software installed, and the next flight would be a certification flight for the plane's MCAS.
(Image from file)
More News
Aero Linx: International Business Aviation Council Ltd IBAC promotes the growth of business aviation, benefiting all sectors of the industry and all regions of the world. As a non->[...]
"During the annual inspection of the B-24 “Diamond Lil” this off-season, we made the determination that 'Lil' needs some new feathers. Due to weathering, the cloth-cove>[...]
Also: Bushcat Woes, Hummingbird 300 SL 4-Seat Heli Kit, Carbon Cub UL The newest Junkers is a faithful recreation that mates a 7-cylinder Verner radial engine to the airframe offer>[...]
Also: Seaplane Pilots Association, Rotax 916’s First Year, Gene Conrad After a decade and a half of struggling with the FAA and other aero-politics, G100UL is in production a>[...]
Also: Martha King Scholarship, Montaer Grows, Textron Updates Pistons, FlySto The FAA is hiring thousands of air traffic controllers, but the window to apply will only be open for >[...]