Boeing find another dangerous fault on 737 MAX planes after deadly crashes

The company is upgrading the flight control system, MCAS, where an issue can see the plane’s front nose pitch downwards. Crash investigators are keen to solve the issue that was seen during two deadly shunts in a five month period that left hundreds of people dead. The new upgrade is currently being evaluated by the FAA which is still developing necessary training requirements for the new software. But a new issue is set to delay services even longer. 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the plane’s ban will only be lifted when it is safe to do so, which will potentially delay the 737 Max’s return to service for another three months. 

In a statement, the FAA said: “The FAA is following a thorough process, not a prescribed timeline, for returning the Boeing 737 Max to passenger service. 

“The FAA will lift the aircraft’s prohibition order when we deem it safe to do so.” 

The statement continued: “On the most recent issue, the FAA’s process is designed to discover and highlight potential risks. The FAA recently found a potential risk that Boeing must mitigate.” 

FAA representatives had previously told members of the aviation industry the plane could return to service as early as late June before the latest fault was discovered. 

The planes were grounded after two horrific incidents in the space of five months. Lion Air Flight 610 crashed shortly after take-off in Indonesia on 29 October 2018, killing all 189 passengers and crew. 

Just months later in March 2019, an Ethiopian Airlines jet crashed six minutes after takeoff leading to 157 fatalities. 

In response to the FAA’s news, a Boeing spokesman confirmed the safety of their planes was the company’s highest priority and the aircraft would not be returned to service until it was satisfied that all of the FAA’s requirements had been met. 

The statement continued: “The FAA review and process for returning the 737 MAX to passenger service are designed to result in a thorough and comprehensive assessment. Boeing agrees with the FAA’s decision and request, and is working on the required software.”

Airline chiefs met in Montreal yesterday and have urged to work together to get one of the most popular jets back in service. 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged aviation regulators to align on technical requirements and timelines to allow the aircraft to safely return to the skies after the tragedies. 

Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General, said: “Aviation is a globally integrated system that relies on global standards, including mutual recognition, trust, and reciprocity among safety regulators. 

“This harmonised structure has worked successfully for decades to help make air travel the safest form of long-distance travel the world has known. Aviation cannot function efficiently without this coordinated effort, and restoring public confidence demands it.” 

According to the Boeing website, the 737 MAX is the fastest selling Boeing jet in history, boasting 5,000 orders from more than 100 customers.

source: express.co.uk