Boeing is now being backed by a US senator and a major airline. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has shared a commitment to seeing Boeing's approval window extended to ensure that its next 737 MAX variants are built upon the existing design. United Airlines has also committed to helping Boeing secure approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the proposed design. While other parties, including Captain Sullenberger, have taken a stance against the extension.

Difficult decision

The 737 MAX program has undergone significant challenges throughout its lifetime. The MAX was designed to be a next-generation airliner that offered superior performance and substantially reduced fuel consumption. The MAX program delivered on these promises. A critical detail that Boeing included in the MAX design was that the cockpit and flight controls would be relatively similar to the existing 737s. These similar controls would allow any pilot certified to fly an existing 737 to fly this aircraft without further training.

Boeing 737 MAX 7 in flight
Photo: Boeing

This was a huge point of emphasis for the MAX sales. For airlines that already operated the 737, not needing to take valuable time to train pilots on the new system was a huge selling point. Boeing even went so far as to intentionally dissuade airlines from allowing their pilots to have additional simulator training. These actions by Boeing were later determined to have affected the tragic accidents of two MAX aircraft in 2018 and 2019. Boeing's current dilemma with the program involves another attempt to preserve fleet commonality.

This December, the FAA will require all newly approved airliner designs to incorporate a modern cockpit alerting system. This rule will not affect the 737 MAX designs already in production. However, Boeing has two MAX designs seeking approval from the FAA, the MAX 7 and MAX 10. If these planes are not certified before the deadline, they will need to be redesigned with the new modern cockpit alerting system. The new system would replace the existing alerting system and require pilots of the MAX 7 and 10 to receive a separate type rating for the aircraft. Meaning that production of the MAXs will be delayed, and Boeing will lose its strong selling point of fleet commonality.

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Growing support

Boeing has recently secured support from United Airlines and US Senator Graham. Both parties believe Boeing's success is essential to the US economy and air transit market. They agree with Boeing that the deadline should be postponed so Boeing may receive approval for the two additional MAX designs. United stated that changing the cockpit from the existing design would be unsafe. It shared that allowing Boeing to retain the same tried and true cockpits is a far more sure and safe option.

UPDATE: 2022/10/22 07:18 EST BY RILEY PICKETT

Boeing Comment

A spokesperson for Boeing to Simple Flying,

“Boeing is focused on meeting all regulatory requirements to certify the 737-7 and 737-10, and safety remains the driving factor in this effort.”

Boeing 737 MAX 10 in flight over mountains
Photo: Boeing

Stark opposition

While many parties favor the deadline postponement, many believe the MAX series should be forced to undergo several significant safety changes. Those opposed to the deadline extension include Captain Sullenberger, who has, on multiple accounts, openly opposed the MAX program stating that it needs to undergo significant safety changes. Ultimately, the FAA will determine the fate of the new MAX aircraft.

What do you think of this newfound support for the MAX? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: Reuters

  • 787-8 Dreamliner
    Boeing
    Stock Code:
    BA
    Date Founded:
    1916-07-15
    CEO:
    Dave Calhoun
    Headquarters Location:
    Chicago, USA
    Key Product Lines:
    Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, Boeing 787
    Business Type:
    Planemaker