FAA completes first phase of 737 Max flight tests

Boeing 737 Max (Image: Max Thrust Digital)
Boeing 737 Max (Image: Max Thrust Digital)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has completed three days of flight tests to begin the re-certification process of the Boeing 737 Max.

The successful completion of this phase paves the way for possible recertification by the FAA for the type within weeks.

In a statement, the FAA said: “During three days of testing this week, FAA pilots and engineers evaluated Boeing’s proposed changes in connection with the automated flight control system on the aircraft”

The global fleet of 737 Max Aircraft was grounded in March 2019 after two fatal crashes killing 346 people were attributed to Boeing’s “Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System” or MCAS which is unique to the type.

LEAP engines on a Boeing 737 Max (Image: Aviation Media Agency)
LEAP engines on a Boeing 737 Max (Image: Aviation Media Agency)

The FAA added, “While completion of the flights is an important milestone, a number of key tasks remain, including evaluating the data gathered during these flights.”

“The agency is following a deliberate process and will take the time it needs to thoroughly review Boeing’s work. We will lift the grounding order only after FAA safety experts are satisfied that the aircraft meets certification standards”

FAA Video of the Flight Tests

About Nick Harding 1894 Articles
Nick is the senior reporter and editor at UK Aviation News as well as working freelance elsewhere. He has his finger firmly on the pulse on Aviation, not only in the UK but worldwide. Nick has been asked to speak in a professional capacity on LBC, Heart and other broadcast networks.