737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 likely to be further delayed

The latest setback to the Boeing 737 MAX program is a load reduction device on the CFM LEAP engine that engages after engine damage from a bird strike.  In the event of a broken fan blade, a system engages to reduce the load on the engine by disconnecting the fan to reduce vibrations that could further damage the engine.  The system works well, and bird strikes with larger birds that the certification requirements have still resulted in the engines working as planned.

While all of that is well and good, the system also, unfortunately,  impacts the bleed air system feeding the cockpit and cabin air systems, and could result in noxious fumes being fed into the cabin through bleed air contamination.  The cockpit and cabin are fed from different engines, so this depends on which engine may have a bird strike. In two recent Southwest Airlines incidents, cockpit air has been impacted from the impacted engines.