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FAA reviews Boeing 737 Max software glitch; Duffy sees no safety concern

The FAA is investigating a software glitch in some Boeing 737 Max jets that can disengage automated vertical guidance during an aborted landing. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he sees no current safety concern and no need to ground the fleet.

2 outlets · 1L · 1C · 0R First reported Account updated
Image: CBS News
Image: CNA

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The story, neutrally told

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a software glitch in some Boeing 737 Max jets that could cause an automated flight guidance system to disengage during an aborted landing, known as a go-around. According to CBS News, the flight management computer issue could make the vertical navigation system (VNAV) drop to a less sophisticated level of automated pitch control in rare circumstances, so pilots would need to take extra steps on the next approach. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford told CBS News the agency would delay certification of the Max 10 while it reviews the issue and determines interim remedies.

Boeing said it told all 737 operators last month about the issue, that autopilot still works if VNAV disengages, and that its engineers are working on a permanent software update. CBS reported that the software was developed by GE Aerospace and appears in versions 14 and 14.1; Southwest and United have said they will not accept new aircraft with it, and five US airlines said their in-service Max fleets do not use it. CBS said an airline first told Boeing of the issue in November 2024, and Boeing judged it not a safety issue in February 2025 before opening a formal safety review this year.

The FAA said it will convene a Corrective Action Review Board and act immediately if it identifies a safety concern. On Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he does not currently see a safety concern and that there was no need to ground the 737 Max fleet. The review could further delay the Max 10, which CBS said was thought to be days from certification, and deliveries of the recently certified Max 7.

Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on.

Left1 outlet

Framing
CBS News gives a detailed investigative account: how the glitch works, the timeline of Boeing's knowledge, airline reactions and effects on Max 10 and Max 7 certification and deliveries.
Emphasis
Boeing's history of prior Max problems, airline caution and delivery delays.
Leaves out or plays down
Does not include Transportation Secretary Duffy's Wednesday comment that he sees no safety concern (published later).
Charged language
“cash cow”“trust-but-verify”
For example
“It is notable that several U.S. airlines appear to be taking a trust-but-verify approach to Boeing on the issue” — CBS News
“The Max is a cash cow for Boeing and is vital for its turnaround efforts.” — CBS News

Centre1 outlet

Framing
CNA leads with the government reassurance: the Transportation Secretary sees no safety concern and no need to ground the fleet.
Emphasis
Official reassurance and the readiness to respond quickly if a safety issue emerged.
Leaves out or plays down
Gives no detail on how the glitch works, Boeing's timeline, certification delays or airline responses.
For example
“We've learned when you don't respond quickly to things, bad things can happen.” — CNA

Right0 outlets

No right outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.