FAA clears 737 MAX software issue, lifting MAX 10 certification hurdle

The Federal Aviation Administration has determined that a software condition affecting certain Boeing 737 MAX jets does not create a flight-safety risk, according to the agency. The finding removes an obstacle that had blocked certification of the MAX 10, the biggest member of the family.

The FAA's Corrective Action Review Board reached that conclusion on October 2, 2026, after reviewing the issue. According to the agency, the problem can leave flight crews without automated flight guidance in a particular go-around scenario. The FAA said pilots keep full command of the aircraft and that the cues available to them are clear and unambiguous. It also noted the condition could add to pilot workload during a go-around.

The situation arises when a crew changes the missed-approach route entered in the flight management computer. The aircraft's vertical navigation mode, VNAV, can then disengage, and the crew must step in to hold the correct altitude. Boeing has said the autopilot keeps functioning even when VNAV drops out.

Boeing disclosed the matter on September 26, 2026, saying it had told operators and was working on a software update. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford had said the agency would not certify the MAX 10 while it assessed the software.

Several carriers are waiting on the MAX 10, including United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and Ryanair. Lufthansa Group exercised options for 20 of the jets in September 2026.

Before the ruling, United and Southwest had asked Boeing to hand over new MAX aircraft fitted with an earlier software version, according to The Wall Street Journal. WestJet, which already flies aircraft with the affected software, said it has seen no related problems in service.