Boeing 737 MAX Gets Approval To Fly Again, Lifting 20-Month Ban After Two Crashes
The FAA has issued comprehensive software upgrades and training changes for the infamous Boeing 737 MAX jet for it to get back to the skies.
Boeing 737 Max was supposed to create a revolution in the field of aviation, particularly with short-haul flights providing insane fuel economy and performance, along with a smooth flying experience.
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But everything fell flat on its face when the FAA and other authorities around the world decided to ground the aircraft after two crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia claimed lives of 346 people, due to a software glitch in the aircraft¡¯s autopilot system.
However, after a 20-month grounding -- which is also the longest in aviation history -- the American aircraft manufacturer has finally received the approval of the FAA, permitting the 737 MAX to fly once again.
According to a Reuters report, the FAA has issued comprehensive software upgrades and training changes for the infamous Boeing 737 MAX jet for it to get back to the skies. The first airline to start with this relaunch will be American Airlines, starting December 29 this year. Surprisingly, Southwest Airlines, the airline holding the largest MAX fleet doesn¡¯t plan on flying them until the second quarter of next year.
Regulators in Europe, Brazil and China will also issue their approvals before the aircraft will be clear for flying in their airspace. The Indian DGCA has also said in a statement that it will be reading the FAA's report and make a decision, which could take some time.
When it does take its flight, Boeing will be monitoring the aircraft through a 24-hour control room for issues that the flight could experience.
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In case you didn¡¯t know, the crashes that occurred in Ethiopia and Indonesia were due to a fault in the aircraft's new stall prevention system dubbed MCAS where the system would push the nose of the aircraft down, making it difficult for pilots to regain control.
As of now, Boeing is faced by several challenges -- firstly it¡¯s the maintenance and updating of existing 737 MAX fleet, as well as sale of existing dead stock that has been lying in hangars for nearly 20 months now. Moreover, the demand is further down since COVID-19¡¯s impact on the aviation industry, globally.
