Boeing will be making two new software updates to the 737 MAX’s flight control computer for further redundancy and safety as part of its fix for the aircraft’s loss of flight control as the company works to achieve FAA approval to resume flights after the jet was grounded following two fatal crashes.
Boeing have confirmed the software updates will address issues it has identified connected to loss of control and final runway approach.
In accordance with the same news story published by Reuters, Boeing confirmed to Reuters that one issue involves hypothetical faults in the flight control computer microprocessor, which could potentially lead to a loss of control known as a runaway stabilizer.
The other issue could potentially lead to disengagement of the autopilot feature during final approach.
Boeing has stated the new software issues are not tied to a key anti-software system MCAS that faulted in both fatal crashes involving the 737 MAX jet aircraft.
In addition, the company has stated that it does not expect the additional issues to impact its current forecast of a mid-year return to service for the aircraft – however we must note currently that the world is in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic. Boeing is adding new safeguards in the MCAS software update as part of the aircraft’s return to service.