New Report Finds Boeing 737 MAX Autopilot Could Fail During Emergencies
Issues plaguing the Boeing 737 MAX, which is currently grounded worldwide, reportedly go beyond the aircraft's flawed MCAS. One of Europe's top aviation regulatory agencies has found new flaws with the MAX's Autopilot system, reports Bloomberg.
According to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), in some emergencies the Boeing 737 MAX's Autopilot may fail to disengage, preventing pilots from taking manual control of the aircraft.
The new problem was raised by the EASA and included in a list of requirements sent to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that would need to be met before the Boeing 737 MAX can be recertified in the European Union. According to Bloomberg, the list of requirements for recertification includes issues that are "consistent with the FAA's own questions." However, this new concern involving the 737 MAX's Autopilot that has not been raised in the past.
The Infamous Boeing 737 MAX MCAS
Problems with the Boeing 737 MAX's Autopilot had not previously been brought up by US regulators or Boeing. Rather, both US regulatory agencies and Boeing disclosed issues pertaining to the Boeing 737 MAX's Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System, or MCAS.
To counteract the nose-up angle on the Boeing 737 MAX as a result of modifications made to accommodate the aircraft's larger engines, the MCAS was designed to prevent the nose of the aircraft from pitching up during takeoff and at other times throughout the flight. The MCAS is now implicated in two fatal crashes involving the Boeing 737 MAX, leading to the plane being grounded worldwide.
For more than three months now, Boeing has been working to develop a solution to fix the flawed MCAS in order to allow the Boeing 737 MAX to take to the skies again. While it appears that Boeing has made progress on addressing the flawed MCAS, the EASA's list of demands raises additional questions and concerns that could prolong the ground of the Boeing 737 MAX.
The Boeing 737 MAX's Autopilot Could Fail During Emergencies
With Autopilot playing a crucial roll aboard airliners, even minor issues could potentially create problems for pilots. During emergency operations, pilots typically disengage autopilot if in use, giving pilots manual control of the aircraft. Manual mode allows pilots to have greater control over an aircraft in the event of an emergency. The EASA found that the Boeing 737 MAX could potentially prohibit pilots from taking manual control of the aircraft during such emergencies.
Bloomberg is reporting that the FAA has yet to comment on the EASA's list of requirements and assessment. It is unclear whether or not US regulatory agencies and Boeing were aware of this flaw, and whether these issues involving the Autopilot will further delay the Boeing 737 MAX's recertification.
In the meantime, Boeing is pledging to pay out $100 million over several years to aid families, municipalities and local organizations affected by the two deadly crashes of its 737 MAX aircraft.
For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.