The FAA and EASA have asked Boeing to revise their 737 MAX software documentation. This comes as the planemaker is working to get the 737 MAX recertified before the end of 2019– a deadline that is fast approaching.

The FAA and EASA request changes

The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have asked Boeing to submit revised documentation in regards to the 737 MAX software fix the company is pitching, according to a Reuters report. This is another step back for Boeing as they await the recertification of their Boeing 737 MAX. Specific details regarding this request are unclear.

Boeing 737 MAX, Test Flight, Progress Update
Boeing is working around the clock to get the Boeing 737 MAX back into the skies safely. Photo: Boeing

Boeing provided Simple Flying with the following statement on the matter:

Boeing provided technical documentation to the regulators as part of the software validation process.  The documentation was complete, and it was provided in a format consistent with past submissions. Regulators have requested that the information be conveyed in a different form, and the documentation is being revised accordingly. While this happens we continue to work with the FAA and global regulators on certification of the software for safe return of the MAX to service

Boeing 737 MAX orders
The Boeing 737 MAX won't return to service until next year. Photo: Boeing

Based on these details, it does not appear that Boeing has to make any major changes to their proposed software fix. Rather, the FAA and EASA would like some additional information.

What is happening with the 737 MAX?

As regulators review Boeing's proposed changes to the 737 MAX, there is a heightened sense of scrutiny both from aviation professionals and general travelers. In regards to this incident, it appears that the FAA and EASA were not pleased with the documents Boeing provided. It is, however, unclear exactly what regulators are looking for in terms of this new request. However, for Boeing, it represents another hiccup in the recertification process. It is unknown at this stage how much time this could add to the recertification process.

Southwest Airlines MAX nose
Southwest Airlines has hundreds of 737 MAX aircraft on order. Photo: Southwest Airlines

Boeing has maintained that they expect to see the 737 MAX recertified by the end of the year. Ultimately, Boeing does not control the process and regulators have not stuck to that deadline. However, it is not impossible for the 737 MAX to receive recertification by the end of 2019. At this point, it depends on how comfortable regulators are with Boeing's fixes.

Boeing 737 MAX takeoff
Boeing employees were concerned about setting a precedent for simulator training for 737 MAX pilots. Photo: Boeing

The EASA, however, seems to think that the 737 MAX is entering the final stages of this process. According to a statement from Patric Ky, the head of the EASA, the 737 MAX could return to the skies by early 2020. This is relatively consistent with the timeline some airlines have proposed in their own scheduling.

Overall

The aviation world will have to reckon with the 737 MAX debacle for some time to come. It is too soon to indicate exactly how this will affect aviation long-term, however, the short-term impacts present some interesting observations.

Boeing Landing
It is unclear how much Boeing's higher-ups knew about flaws with the 737 MAX. Photo: Boeing

As of now, the 737 MAX is awaiting certification with costs continuing to mount. Although, it seems that the processing is nearing the end. For Boeing and airlines, this would be a welcome relief.

When do you think the 737 MAX will be recertified? Are you looking forward to flying on the 737 MAX? Let us know in the comments!