Boeing has completed development of the updated software for the 737 Max along with associated simulator testing and its engineering test flight, the company announced Thursday. The U.S. airframer said it has flown the 737 Max with updated maneuvering characteristics augmentation system (MCAS) software for more than 360 hours on 207 flights.
The company added that it has begun providing additional information to address FAA requests that include detail on how pilots interact with the airplane controls and displays in different flight scenarios. Once it addresses the request, Boeing will work with the FAA to schedule its certification test flight and submit final certification documentation, it said. Boeing’s statement comes a day after acting Federal Aviation Administrator Dan Elwell told a congressional panel in Washington, D.C., he expected the agency to receive the company’s final submission within about a week.
“With safety as our clear priority, we have completed all of the engineering test flights for the software update and are preparing for the final certification flight,” said Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg. “We’re committed to providing the FAA and global regulators all the information they need, and to getting it right.”
Along with the software update, Boeing has developed new training and education materials under review by the FAA, global regulators, and airline customers to support return-to-service and longer-term operations.