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FAA says prior Boeing bug fix introduced new 737 MAX software glitch
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that a previous Boeing bug fix introduced the flight management software glitch [1]. The agency will delay certification of the 737 MAX 10 past its expected October timeline to evaluate pilot workload risks [1].
Full analysiswritten from the full pages behind this update
What happened
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on September 28, 2026, that it is delaying the certification of the Boeing 737 MAX 10 [1], [5]. The decision follows a September 26 disclosure by Boeing regarding a software glitch in the flight management system [1], [5]. The flaw, found in software supplied by GE Aerospace, can prevent pilots from accessing automated flight guidance during a go-around maneuver [1]. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that a previous bug fix implemented by Boeing introduced this new issue [1]. While the glitch increases pilot workload during the transition from a landing attempt to a climb, the FAA noted that pilots remain in control of the aircraft and are trained for such scenarios [1]. Boeing shares fell 6.9% on Monday following the announcement [1], [5].
Why it matters
The delay interrupts a certification timeline that industry observers expected to conclude in October 2026 [1]. The MAX 10 is the final variant of the MAX family awaiting FAA approval and is central to Boeing’s competition with Airbus in the single-aisle market [1]. Although the FAA certified the smaller MAX 7 on August 3, 2026, the agency will not grant the MAX 10 its certificate until it determines if the software glitch constitutes a safety-of-flight risk [1].
The technical issue also affects aircraft already in service. WestJet, a Canadian carrier, confirmed it operates MAX jets with the affected software but stated it has experienced no in-service issues and maintains procedures to mitigate the event [1], [5]. Conversely, United Airlines has refused deliveries of aircraft containing the software, and Alaska Airlines reported that its current fleet does not use the affected version [5]. Under U.S. law, the FAA is prohibited from issuing original airworthiness certificates for MAX aircraft starting one year after the MAX 10 is certificated unless they include specific safety enhancements, including a synthetic enhanced angle of attack system [3].
What's next
The FAA plans to convene a Corrective Action Review Board (CARB) to investigate the software issue, with the review expected to begin no earlier than the week of October 5, 2026 [1], [5]. Administrator Bedford suggested that GE Aerospace may attempt to accelerate the software correction, though the agency has not established a definitive timeline for the pause, which could last days, weeks, or months [1], [5].
The certification process will remain stalled until the FAA is satisfied that the workload component of the glitch is resolved [1]. Once the MAX 10 receives its type certificate, Boeing will face a one-year deadline to ensure all new MAX aircraft include required safety enhancements, such as a means to shut off stall warnings and overspeed alerts, to receive original airworthiness certificates [3]. A three-year deadline following MAX 10 certification will govern the requirement for all MAX aircraft in operation to incorporate these design changes [3].
Sources cited above
1 reference- [1]qz.com — FAA delays Boeing 737 Max 10 certification over software glitch
The story so far
edited Sep 29 · 5 paragraphs changedWhat is happening
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on September 28, 2026, that it will delay certification of the Boeing 737 MAX 10 [1][2]. The decision follows a September 26, 2026, disclosure by Boeing regarding a flight management software flaw in the MAX 7 and MAX 10 variants [3]. The glitch, found in software supplied by GE Aerospace, prevents pilots from accessing automated flight guidance during a go-around maneuver [1]. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that a previous Boeing bug fix introduced the issue [1]. While the glitch increases pilot workload, the FAA noted that pilots remain in control of the aircraft [1].
updated Sep 29 · 1 earlier version
FAA Administrator Bedford stated a prior bug fix introduced the glitch, which affects automated flight guidance [1].
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on September 28, 2026, that it will delay certification of the Boeing 737 MAX 10 [1][2]. The decision follows a September 26, 2026, disclosure by Boeing regarding a flight management software flaw in the MAX 7 and MAX 10 variants [3]. The glitch can cause vertical navigation (VNAV) to disengage during specific go-around scenarios [3].
The FAA is convening a Corrective Action Review Board (CARB) to investigate the software issue and determine if it constitutes a safety-of-flight risk [2][3]. Boeing is accelerating the development of a software update to address the VNAV issue, which was previously scheduled for 2028 [1][3]. Shares in Boeing fell 7% following the FAA announcement [1].
The FAA is convening a Corrective Action Review Board (CARB) to investigate the software issue and determine if it constitutes a safety-of-flight risk [2][3]. Boeing is accelerating the development of a software update to address the VNAV issue, which was previously scheduled for 2028 [1][3]. Shares in Boeing fell 7% following the FAA announcement [1].
added Sep 29
What to watch
A formal notice of delay from the FAA citing the specific software issue would define the regulatory requirements for moving forward. Boeing submitting a revised software package and remediation plan to the FAA would mark the start of the technical review process. The FAA will delay certification past its expected October timeline to evaluate pilot workload risks [1].
updated Sep 29 · 1 earlier version
The FAA confirmed the delay will push certification past the expected October timeline [1].
A formal notice of delay from the FAA citing the specific software issue would define the regulatory requirements for moving forward. Boeing submitting a revised software package and remediation plan to the FAA would mark the start of the technical review process.
FAA flight-test evaluations of the updated software would follow the submission of the remediation plan. The issuance of a final airworthiness certificate, either granting approval or delivering a definitive denial, would conclude the certification process. Both the MAX 7 and MAX 10 remain targeted for customer deliveries in 2027 [3][6].
FAA flight-test evaluations of the updated software would follow the submission of the remediation plan. The issuance of a final airworthiness certificate, either granting approval or delivering a definitive denial, would conclude the certification process. Both the MAX 7 and MAX 10 remain targeted for customer deliveries in 2027 [3][6].
added Sep 29
Read the full brief · how we got here
How we got here
Boeing completed the final planned certification flight testing for the MAX 10 on July 28, 2026 [2][6]. This followed the FAA's August 3, 2026, issuance of an amended type certificate for the smaller 737 MAX-7 [5]. That certificate included updates to flight-control software and a redesigned engine anti-ice system [5].
The current delay stems from the agency's position that safety will dictate the remaining timeline for the MAX 10 [2]. The VNAV software issue affects both the largest and smallest variants of the MAX family [3].
References · 5
- [1]reuters.com — US FAA delays Boeing 737 MAX 10 certification, shares dive 7%
- [2]cnbc.com — FAA: Boeing 737 Max 10 certification delayed by software issue
- [3]migflug.com — Boeing 737 MAX Software Glitch: VNAV and the Go-Around | MiGFlug
- [5]faa.gov — FAA Statement on Certification of the Boeing 737 MAX-7
- [6]aerospaceglobalnews.com — Boeing clears certification testing for smallest and largest 737 MAX
What would close this
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newest firstWhen we started following: FAA halts Boeing 737 MAX 10 certification following disclosure of flight management software glitch during landing
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on September 28, 2026, that it will delay certification of the Boeing 737 MAX 10 until a software issue is resolved [1][2]. Boeing disclosed on September 26, 2026, that a flaw in the flight management software for the MAX 7 and MAX 10 variants could cause vertical navigation (VNAV) to disengage during specific go-around scenarios [3]. The FAA is convening a Corrective Action Review Board (CARB) to investigate the glitch and determine if it constitutes a safety-of-flight issue [2][3].
This setback follows the FAA's August 3, 2026, issuance of an amended type certificate for the smaller 737 MAX-7, which included updates to flight-control software and a redesigned engine anti-ice system [5]. While Boeing completed final planned certification flight testing for the MAX 10 on July 28, 2026, the agency now states that safety will dictate the remaining timeline [2][6]. Boeing is currently developing a software update to permanently address the VNAV issue, which was originally scheduled for 2028 but is now being accelerated [1][3]. Both the MAX 7 and MAX 10 remain targeted for customer deliveries in 2027 [3][6].