Boeing HQ
An FAA team is recommending design changes to the 737 MAX, as well as pilot notification about another unmentioned software system on the airplane and enhanced safety procedures related to the CFM engines on board the aircraft. In the event of a bird strike, a load management system on the aircraft will shut down damaged engines and if vibrations are excessive, unlink an out of balance fan from the core. The problem is contamination of bleed air that could impact the cockpit or cabin, as they are fed from different engines.
With the MAX 7 and MAX 10 already delayed due to engine anti-ice issues, this could add another significant delay, moving out potential certification from next year into late 2026. That is a blow Boeing does not need during its recovery as it will be unable to meet customer commitments after multiple delays. Southwest for the MAX 7 and United and Ryan Air for the MAX 10 would be the largest impacted customers. In the interim, a fix for the existing MAX aircraft would also need to be developed, and new procedures to utilize the APU during climb-out and descent initiated.
The existence of the load management system came as a surprise to pilots, who not only were unaware but not trained in its operations and potential downstream consequences. The FAA will again mandate change and transparency, particularly after the MCAS-induced fatal crashes.
In other news, Embraer is likely considering entering the large aircraft business, and has been receiving encouragement from airlines who want to see another western competitor to Boeing and Airbus. That is not good news for Boeing, as Embraer has a superb engineering and development track record, and financial sources willing to help sponsor Embraer efforts for market entry are emerging. The C-390 has proven they can successfully design and build larger aircraft.
The good news this week is that MAX deliveries have resumed, albeit at a low level, after the strike. We expect Boeing to move back to the mid-20s in production rate in December.
Links to key news items follow:
- FAA team recommends Boeing MAX design change and pilot notification – Seattle Times
- Pilots in dark about safety system behind cabin smoke incidents – AvWeb
- 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 likely to be further delayed – AirInsight
- Embraer wants to see what chief engineer Affonso invents next amid aircraft development uncertainty – Flight Global
- At last, good news from Boeing – MAX deliveries restart – AirInsight
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