All articles tagged with #aircraft certification
The Federal Aviation Administration has determined that a recent software glitch in certain Boeing 737 Max aircraft is not a flight-safety issue. This decision removes a key hurdle for the certification of the 737 Max 10, the final model in the family. The FAA noted that pilots retain full control and clear indications, while airlines can revert to older software versions to avoid the problem.
The FAA expects Boeing’s 737 MAX 7 to be certified this summer, as the company continues production-rate increases to meet rising demand for its narrow-body jets and to support ongoing growth in the aviation sector.
Joby Aviation has begun power-on testing of its first FAA-conforming aircraft, marking a key milestone in its final certification phase, with flight testing expected to start in 2025 and FAA certification anticipated in 2026.
Boeing's 777X aircraft is delayed until 2027, potentially incurring $2.5 to $4 billion in non-cash accounting charges, due to certification delays and ongoing development issues, impacting Boeing's financial outlook and strategic position in the long-haul aircraft market.
Boeing plans to increase its 737 MAX production rate to 42 aircraft per month soon, aiming for 47 by early 2026, as part of efforts to stabilize and improve profitability after safety and quality concerns. The company is also progressing on certifying new MAX variants and expects Chinese airlines to resume deliveries in June, with tariffs impacting less than $500 million.
Boeing has chosen a design to modify the 737 Max engine inlet to prevent structural damage from overheating due to the anti-icing system. This decision comes with new certification schedules for the 737 Max 7 and 10, now expected in 2025. Boeing is also preparing a report for the FAA to demonstrate progress in stabilizing its 737 Max assembly line, a crucial step in regaining confidence and meeting customer expectations.
The FAA has confirmed the final airworthiness criteria for Archer Aviation's Model M001 Midnight eVTOL, providing a regulatory foundation for its certification program. This follows similar criteria set for Joby Aviation's eVTOL and marks a significant step in the certification process under FAA's special class process.
A panel of industry experts commissioned by the Federal Aviation Administration has issued a report sharply critical of Boeing's safety culture, citing "gaps" and a fear of retaliation among employees for raising safety concerns. The report found a disconnect between Boeing's senior management and other members of the organization on safety culture, and identified hesitation in reporting safety concerns due to management conflicts of interest. It also recommended re-working safety procedures to be clearly understood and followed by employees at all levels of Boeing.