Pilots test software update to Boeing 737 Max
Pilots from the three U.S. carriers that use the Boeing 737 Max aircraft received training Saturday on software changes to the plane’s stabilization system.
The updates are designed to decrease the odds of activating the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System, which is thought to have contributed to the October crash in Indonesia that left 189 people dead.
{mosads}Boeing told The Hill on Monday that it has invited “more than 200 airline pilots, technical leaders and regulators for an informational session” on Wednesday to follow up on Saturday’s training and ensure the plane’s safety.
The weekend training was first reported by The New York Times.
After a 737 Max 8 used by Ethiopian Airlines crashed earlier this month, killing 157 people, countries across the globe grounded the 737 Max 8 and 9 planes. The crash increased scrutiny of the model’s safety.
Pilots and training officials from Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines reportedly met with Boeing officials to review the software changes. Each pilot using the flight simulator landed the plane safely, a person briefed on the session told the Times.
Another safety feature to address software issues that was previously available for a fee will now reportedly be a standard part of the 737 Max planes.
The Federal Aviation Administration and other flight authorities globally will have to approve the changes before allowing the 737 Max to be used for flights once again.
Updated at 12:03 p.m.
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