FAA clears 737 Max 10 certification after finding no unsafe condition in software error

Based on · First reported 4 Oct 2026

The Federal Aviation Administration said the software error in Boeing's 737 flight‑management system does not constitute an unsafe condition, clearing the way for certification of the 737 Max 10 model.
The error involves flight‑management software versions U14.0 and U14.1, where a mis‑flight can cause VNAV to shut down on the next approach; the aircraft then switches to a simpler autopilot for pitch control while pilots retain control and receive clear system status displays. US airlines have avoided the newer U14 and U14.1 versions for years, preferring an older version introduced almost ten years ago, because the newer versions reportedly caused functional losses and added distractions for crews during critical flight phases, and a 2022 United Airlines incident linked to a U14 issue led the airline to revert to the older software.
The FAA's Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin issued on 3 October lists the affected models as the 737‑600, ‑700, ‑800, ‑900, ‑900ER and the 737 Max 7, 8, 9 and 8200.

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