Now, Boeing red flags software glitch in B737 MAX that may affect auto pilot during some go arounds

NEW DELHI: Boeing has identified a software issue that could potentially lead to auto pilot disengaging during certain go arounds on the B737 MAX with the pilots changing the planned altitude and path while doing so.India has about 100 of these aircraft between Air India Express and Akasa.Aviation insiders say this not a safety scare and Boeing has issued an advisory to pilots what to do in the rare event of a B737 MAX going around (aborting landing to take off again and land in second attempt) and then the altitude window being changed from what is already there in the system for that particular sector.A Boeing spokesperson said, “Last month, we informed all 737 operators about a software issue where pilots may not have access to automated flight guidance during a specific landing scenario. We shared information with operators that reinforced existing pilot procedures for safely handling such cases. Our engineers are working on a software update to permanently address the issue.”A spokesperson for Akasa, which currently has 43 B737 MAX in its fleet, said: “We are closely coordinating with Boeing and can confirm that there is no impact to the safety of Akasa Air operations. Our aircraft continue to operate safely in accordance with established procedures and applicable regulatory requirements. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority.” AI Express has over 50 of these planes.The US Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement it will “will convene a corrective action review board and take immediate action if it identifies a safety concern.”What was to be Boeing’s answer to rival Airbus’ best-selling A320 new engine option (NEO) which boats lower fuel burns, the B737 MAX has been intense scrutiny soon after it entered commercial passenger service in May 2017.Two back-to-back MAX crashes, one each of Lion Air and then Ethiopian, within five months in October 2018 and then March 2019 that left 346 people dead led to the aircraft being grounded globally in March 2019. After Boeing made some crucial changes, the aircraft was allowed to fly again in Dec 2020.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.