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)

FMI: Source report
www.faa.gov