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American plane maker 
Boeing has flagged a potential 737 MAX software glitch that affects the automated approach functions on some aircraft. The issue was flagged last month, when the software glitch could affect the landing procedures of the plane. This comes at the same time as the plane maker looks to seek federal approval for certification of the MAX 10, the final model in its aircraft family.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that it is undertaking an assessment of the problem and will provide guidance, including any immediate action, if a safety concern is identified. Should that be the case, it will also review Boeing’s proposal for a suitable fix. The issue was first identified in November 2024.
Software Glitch May Affect Missed Approach Operations
As explained by CNBC, the problem has arisen when the software that supports pilot operations may affect a preprogrammed flight path. After a missed approach, pilots must take additional steps with the automated tools on approaches. The shared information from Boeing notes that the existing pilot procedures for handling such cases will see engineers working on a software update to address the issue.
Pilots are trained to land without this automated system, and thus Boeing is working directly with any potentially affected airline to formalize any procedure that would allow pilots to re-enable the automated vertical navigation system if the software issue were to occur.
This only affects active MAX 8 and MAX 9 aircraft that have the affected software version within their fleets. No US carrier utilizes these aircraft with the affected software.
Version U.14 Software Is Affecting Some Aircraft
While no US carrier is affected by version U.14 software issues, both Dallas-based Southwest Airlines, the world’s largest operator of the 737 airframe, and Chicago-based 
United Airlines are working with Boeing, despite no aircraft being equipped with the affected software. For Star Alliance airline United, it is also not expecting delivery of any new MAX aircraft with the U.14 software.
Other questions remain over the MAX 7 and MAX 10. The MAX 7 was certified this August and has the newest software installed; however, it remains unclear if any older aircraft could be delivered with the U.14 issue. The MAX 10, which is expecting FAA certification in the coming weeks, will be assessed to ensure any concerns are mitigated prior to delivery.
Boeing Chief Executive Officer Kelly Ortberg has commented earlier this month that the plane maker remains actively engaged with the FAA and is working closely to evaluate the software issue and determine if any additional steps are required.
The latest software issue comes after years of delays for the MAX family of aircraft, after two of its earlier jets, the MAX 8, crashed while operating commercial flights for both Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines, killing all occupants onboard. A total of 346 perished after a flawed flight control system implicated in both crashes.
What Are The Implications Of The U.14 Software Glitch?
The U.14 software glitch is a navigation system that has the chance of disabling during automated flight guidance and vertical navigation (VNAV), used during a landing approach, should a pilot alter the flight path, on a missed approach, or during a go-around. If the crew aborts the landing, the autopilot may disengage or be forced into a different level of automation and pitch.
Should the glitch occur, pilots may temporarily lose automated flight guidance, and increase workload, at the same time as manual procedures would remain fully functional. The FAA and Boeing have confirmed that currently it does not pose an immediate risk, as all pilots are trained to operate the aircraft and land safely without the use of VNAV.
The FAA has stood up a Corrective Action Review Board, as reported by US News & World Report, which will evaluate the issue and provide any required changes for upcoming models, including the MAX 7 and 10. Major airlines have pushed Boeing to halt deliveries of any aircraft fitted with U.14, suggesting they must change to older software versions as an alternative.
