FAA investigates a Boeing 737 MAX software glitch that may disable VNAV during go-arounds, raising pilot workload concerns and possible delivery delays.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a software issue affecting certain Boeing 737 MAX flight management computers that could cause the aircraft's vertical navigation system, or VNAV, to disengage during a specific go-around scenario.

The issue can reportedly occur during a missed approach when pilots are flying a precision approach with autopilot engaged and make changes to a pre-programmed flight plan. Although the autopilot would continue operating, the loss of VNAV could require pilots to take additional steps at a particularly demanding stage of flight.

Boeing has informed operators about the issue and said engineers are developing a permanent software update.

How the Boeing 737 MAX Software Glitch Can Occur

The software problem involves versions 14 and 14.1 of the operating system used by the 737 MAX's flight management computer.

Under a specific set of circumstances, a pilot performing a go-around after a missed approach could encounter a change in the aircraft's automated flight guidance.

The scenario involves:

• A precision approach
• Autopilot being engaged
• A missed approach or go-around
• Changes being made to the pre-programmed flight plan
• The aircraft operating the affected flight-management software

In such circumstances, VNAV could disengage and transition the aircraft to a less sophisticated form of automated pitch control.

VNAV is designed to help manage the aircraft's vertical flight path, including maintaining programmed altitudes at different waypoints.

Why the Issue Has Raised FAA Concerns

A go-around generally occurs during a critical phase of flight when pilots may already be dealing with significant workload. If VNAV disengages, pilots would need to follow established procedures and make additional inputs during the subsequent approach.

Boeing has emphasized that the aircraft's autopilot would remain functional even if VNAV disengages. The company also said 737 MAX pilots are trained to safely operate the aircraft without VNAV.

However, the FAA is examining whether the software behavior presents a safety concern and whether additional corrective measures are necessary.

The FAA said it is working with Boeing and airlines and plans to convene a Corrective Action Review Board, or CARB, to evaluate the issue.

Boeing Working on a Permanent Software Fix

Boeing told operators about the software issue last month and reinforced existing pilot procedures for dealing with the scenario.

The company said its engineers are working on a software update intended to permanently resolve the problem.

Boeing's initial communication reportedly indicated that a software fix could be available around 2028, while updated pilot guidance was expected later. The manufacturer is now working to accelerate those efforts.

The timing of the permanent fix is likely to receive close attention from airlines and regulators because of the operational importance of the 737 MAX program.

Airlines Take Precautions

Several major U.S. airlines have already taken steps concerning the affected software versions.

Southwest Airlines and United Airlines reportedly informed Boeing that they would not accept deliveries of new aircraft equipped with the affected operating system, choosing an earlier software version instead.

Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines have said that their in-service 737 MAX fleets do not use the software version involved in the investigation.

This distinction means the issue primarily concerns certain software configurations and does not indicate that every Boeing 737 MAX currently operating is affected.

Issue Dates Back to 2024

According to reporting cited by CBS News, Boeing was first informed about the issue by an airline in November 2024.

Boeing reviewed the matter and determined in February 2025 that it did not represent a safety issue.

Additional information provided by operators later prompted Boeing to conduct a formal safety review. The findings were subsequently submitted to the FAA, which is now reviewing them through its regulatory process.

The timeline has drawn attention because the issue involves flight-management software used during a demanding phase of flight.

Possible Impact on 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 Deliveries

The FAA investigation could have implications for Boeing's upcoming 737 MAX deliveries and certification program.

The 737 MAX 10, the largest member of the MAX family, could face additional delays if regulators determine that the software issue requires changes before certification.

The 737 MAX 7 could also be affected. The aircraft was recently certified with software version 14, while the MAX 10 used version 14.1 during certification testing.

Southwest Airlines is expected to receive a substantial number of MAX 7 aircraft, while Alaska Airlines is expected to become the launch customer for the MAX 10.

Whether the investigation affects planned deliveries will depend on the FAA's findings and any corrective action required.

Boeing 737 MAX Under Continued Regulatory Scrutiny

The latest software investigation comes against the backdrop of extensive regulatory scrutiny of the 737 MAX program.

Two MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 resulted in the deaths of 346 people. Investigations into those crashes identified problems involving the aircraft's Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System, or MCAS, and associated safety processes.

In January 2024, an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 also experienced a mid-flight door-plug separation. U.S. authorities subsequently identified manufacturing and quality-control issues associated with the incident.

The latest software matter is different from those previous incidents, and Boeing has said the current issue is not an immediate safety threat. Nevertheless, the history of the MAX program means software and operational issues continue to receive significant attention from airlines and regulators.

Key Highlights

• The FAA is investigating a software issue involving certain Boeing 737 MAX flight management computers.
• The problem affects software versions 14 and 14.1.
• Under a specific go-around scenario, VNAV could disengage.
• Autopilot would reportedly continue to function.
• Pilots are trained to operate the aircraft without VNAV.
• Boeing says it is developing a permanent software fix.
• Southwest and United have reportedly rejected deliveries with the affected software configuration.
• Several major U.S. airlines say their in-service MAX fleets do not use the affected version.
• The FAA plans to review the issue through a Corrective Action Review Board.
• The investigation could affect future 737 MAX 7 deliveries and the certification timeline for the MAX 10.

Professional Disclaimer & Third-Party Reference

This article is based on information attributed to the Federal Aviation Administration, Boeing, airline statements and reporting by third-party news organizations, including CBS News and The Wall Street Journal. Information concerning the ongoing FAA review, software versions, aircraft deliveries and certification timelines may change as regulators and Boeing complete their assessments.

This article is intended for general news and informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as an independent technical or aviation-safety determination.

Conclusion

The FAA's investigation puts renewed attention on software reliability and pilot workload during critical phases of Boeing 737 MAX operations. Boeing says the issue is not an immediate safety concern and that pilots have established procedures for handling the situation, while regulators will determine whether further corrective action is necessary.

The outcome of the FAA review could also influence software updates, aircraft deliveries and the certification timeline for upcoming MAX variants.