The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) determined on October 2, 2026, that a software anomaly affecting certain Boeing 737 MAX flight computers does not constitute a flight-safety concern. The ruling by the agency’s Corrective Action Review Board (CARB) removes a primary regulatory hurdle for the Boeing 737 MAX 10 certification, which had been paused just days earlier.
The glitch centers on the Vertical Navigation (VNAV) function during missed-approach or “go-around” scenarios. Specifically, the software could disengage if pilots modified the flight path while the VNAV system was active. In its safety clearance, the FAA reasoned that pilots retain full manual control of the aircraft during these maneuvers. Furthermore, the agency noted that cockpit indications regarding the software’s status are clear and unambiguous, allowing crews to recognize and manage the issue without additional risk.
Origins and Technical Scope
The software issue was first identified by WestJet pilots in November 2024. While Boeing initially assessed the glitch in February 2025 as not requiring a formal safety review, the manufacturer revised its stance in September 2026 following further feedback from aircraft operators. The flight management computer software involved in the anomaly was developed by GE Aerospace.
On September 28, 2026, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford announced a certification pause for the MAX 10 variant to allow for a thorough review of the glitch. Despite the anomaly being present in “Update 14” of the flight software, the smaller MAX 7 variant had already received its certification in August 2026 using the same software package. With the CARB’s latest determination, Boeing can now resume the final steps toward the MAX 10’s commercial entry.
Market and Airline Impact
The technical uncertainty surrounding the software has already influenced fleet operations. United Airlines has reportedly refused to take delivery of new aircraft equipped with the affected software version pending the resolution of the certification issues.
The MAX 10 is the largest member of the 737 MAX family and is critical to Boeing’s efforts to compete in the high-capacity, single-aisle market. While the FAA has cleared the safety concern, Boeing is expected to continue working on a permanent software fix to resolve the VNAV disengagement behavior to streamline future cockpit operations.
