Boeing has software update for 737 Max anti-slip system ready

According to Boeing, the software update for the anti-slip system of the 737 Max is ready. The aircraft manufacturer has conducted tests and is now awaiting final approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Boeing itself says it has conducted 207 test flights with the new software, with a total duration of 360 hours. At the moment, the aircraft manufacturer is providing the FAA with additional information on request about how pilots interact with the systems in various scenarios. If those requests are met, a final test flight will follow, after which the aviation authority can recertify the aircraft.

The update ensures that the MCAS compares data from two angle of attack sensors, instead of relying on data from one sensor. If there is more than 5.5 degrees difference between the two sensors, the anti-slip system will not operate. The software update should also allow pilots to manually cancel the anti-skid system.

Initially, the manufacturer said that the software update for the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System would be released in April, but that was delayed to ensure all errors were detected. According to Boeing, the 737 Max with the new software is “one of the safest aircraft ever”.

Errors in the MCAS likely led to the crashes of a Boeing 737 Max in October last year and in March this year. The system to prevent a stall situation was activated when it was not necessary, so that the aircraft were sent down. A total of 346 people died in the crashes. There are about four hundred Boeing 737 Max aircraft in use worldwide. They have all been grounded since March.