Boeing gets greenlight from FAA for the 737 MAX electric fix

Boeing received a green light from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft electric problem fix, which had temporarily grounded about 100 737 MAX aircraft worldwide. The FAA reportedly approved Boeing service bulletins and instructions for fixes of the affected Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

"After gaining final approvals from the FAA, we have issued service bulletins for the affected fleet," Boeing spokesperson told Reuters on May 13, 2021. "We are also completing the work as we prepare to resume deliveries."

On April 30, 2021, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an Airworthiness Directive requiring Boeing to address an “unsafe condition” of certain Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The move came after Boeing called on 16 737 MAX operators to address the electrical problem on April 9, 2021.

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Boeing’s investigation identified a weakening of bonds associated with electrical grounding related to the Standby Power Control Unit (SPCU), the P6 Circuit Breaker Panel, and the Main Instrument Panel (MIP). According to the FAA, such safety concerns, if not addressed, could have an impact on the engine ice protection, and result in loss of critical function or simultaneous flight deck effects, which may prevent the aircraft from safe operations. 

As per FAA estimates, approximately 109 aircraft were affected by the problem, 71 of which were registered in the United States.

The recent announcement from the FAA may be seen as a relief for air carriers whose Boeing 737 MAX were temporarily grounded, eager to get the aircraft back ahead of the summer travel schedule.

“We recognize and regret the impact this has had on our customers' operations and are focused on ensuring that their airplanes are ready for the summer season,” Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun said during an analyst call on April 28, 2021, adding that 737 MAX fixes were expected to take a few days per plan upon the FAA approval.

Moreover, the 737 MAX electric issues took a toll on the planemaker’s deliveries as well. In April 2021, Boeing delivered 17 aircraft, four of which were Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. On April 28, 2021, Calhoun warned analysts that April 2021 deliveries would be “very light” because of the Boeing 737 MAX latest electrical problems. 

The safety concern of a specific group of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft came after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ungrounded the aircraft on November 18, 2021. The latest problem discovered on the MAX aircraft is known to be unrelated to the flight control system error that contributed to two fatal crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia, claiming 346 lives. 

AeroTime News reached out to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for comment and did not receive a response at the time of publication.