FAA reviews a 737 MAX software glitch that can drop guidance on a go-around

The FAA is reviewing a software glitch in flight computers on some Boeing 737 MAX jets.

In a specific missed approach, the software can drop automated vertical navigation.

The scenario is a precision approach on autopilot, a go-around, and then a change to the programmed route.

When vertical navigation drops, the jet shifts to a simpler automated pitch mode.

Pilots must take extra steps on the next approach if the glitch occurs.

Vertical navigation is meant to hold planned altitudes along the route.

The scenario typically happens at low altitude, when the crew's workload is already high.

Boeing told 737 operators last month that pilots may lose automated flight guidance in that landing case.

Boeing said it reminded operators of existing procedures for the case.

Boeing engineers are working on a software update to fix the issue.

Boeing said the autopilot can keep working even if vertical navigation drops.

Boeing said pilots are trained to land without vertical navigation.

Boeing told operators the glitch is not an immediate safety issue.

The glitch is in flight-management software versions 14 and 14.1.

The FAA said it is working with Boeing and the airlines on the issue.

The FAA said it will take immediate action if it identifies a safety concern.

The FAA said it will convene a Corrective Action Review Board.

Southwest and United told Boeing they will not take new 737 MAX jets with the affected software and want an earlier version.

Alaska, American, Southwest, and United said their in-service 737 MAX fleets do not use the affected software.

An airline first told Boeing about the issue in November 2024.

Boeing concluded in February 2025 that the issue was not a safety problem.

Later information from operators prompted Boeing to open a formal safety review.

Boeing sent that review's findings to the FAA in September.

Boeing first told airlines a permanent software fix would be ready in 2028.

Boeing first planned updated pilot guidance for November.

Boeing is trying to move up both the software fix and the updated guidance.

Boeing is working with airlines on a procedure to turn vertical navigation back on if the glitch happens.

The FAA review could delay certification of the 737 MAX 10.

The MAX 10 had been expected to win FAA certification within days.

The issue could delay deliveries of the 737 MAX 7.

The FAA certified the 737 MAX 7 in August 2026 with the software now under review.

The MAX 7 was certified with flight-management software version 14.

The MAX 10 used software version 14.1 during certification testing.

Alaska Airlines is lined up as a launch customer for the MAX 10.

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said this month that he expected MAX 10 certification very soon.

The Wall Street Journal reported the software glitch.

Two 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 killed 346 people and were tied to flight-control software.

A door plug blew out of an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 in January 2024.

It is not clear how many jets are flying with the affected software.

Operators can update the flight-management computer without reporting each installation to Boeing.

It is not clear whether a MAX 7 can be delivered on an older software version.

The FAA certified the 737-7 on Aug. 3, 2026.

Boeing needs a software setup Southwest will accept before MAX 7 deliveries can start.