The Boeing 737 MAX now has an autopilot problem

The besieged Boeing 737 MAX is now facing another headwind. This time, there are safety issues with the autopilot. Autopilot problems are a new concern as the aircraft undergoes further examination before it can be returned to service.

The problem

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency, or EASA, has briefly identified the key details it wants to resolve before allowing the 737 MAX to return to service. Most of these details were known issues with the aircraft. Here is the list, as indicated by Bloomberg, of the problems that Boeing must solve with the 737 MAX:

1. The potential difficulty of pilots in turning the manual jet compensation wheel
2. The unreliability of the angle sensors attack
3. Inadequate training procedures for pilots
4. Software problem with a trolling microprocessor (the FAA recently identified this problem)
5. Failed autopilot disengagement in some emergency situations

Judging from the list, it seems like the 737 MAX will take a lot of work before it gets to heaven. Whether the FAA agrees with the EASA or not is another story.

The problem of autopilot

EASA has discovered that the autopilot does not always disengage properly. In case of emergency, this could lead to an unfortunate incident if the pilots do not have time to take over the autopilot.

The FAA has been silent on all this. At present, the FAA faces many questions about its certification process, which has damaged its credibility as the global regulator of aviation safety. For example, EASA will likely have a significant influence on other aviation agencies around the world.

Boeing statement

Simple Flying reached Boeing. A representative of Boeing provided the following statement:

"We continue to engage with regulators and provide information as we work toward the safe return to service of the MAX."

Boeing has not disclosed details regarding this new concern of EASA. Nor has any information been revealed as to how Boeing will solve the additional problem raised by EASA.

Chronology

Boeing is maintaining its fall back calendar for it to be in September 2019. Some airlines have removed the 737 MAX until October. In addition, some countries have banned flights from 737 MAX until 2020. Ultimately, regulators will play an important role in determining when the 737 MAX will be recertified for pbadenger flights.

Will the public fly with the 737 MAX?

Civil aviation regulatory agencies and agencies definitely have this issue in mind. It is not only important that the aircraft be recertified, but it must be recertified with confidence.

Unions are another important source of support. If the unions sign the plane and are satisfied with the changes, this can significantly boost the confidence of the airlines and Boeing. To date, however, the 737 MAX still needs regulatory certification.

Once the 737 MAX is back in the air, will you fly in the plane? Do you still have confidence in the plane? Let us know in the comments!