May 18, 2019

Boeing uncovers flawed 737 MAX flight simulators

Gigi Sukin

Boeing 737 MAX. Photo: Stephen Brashear/Getty Images

Boeing has newly found that its flight simulators used to train pilots failed to precisely imitate the conditions that resulted in its MCAS anti-stall system malfunctioning, the New York Times reports.

Why it matters: Airlines are seeking ways to ensure their pilots are able to handle any malfunctions on the 737 MAX once they resume service, Axios' Andrew Freedman writes. If the simulators fail to replicate what went wrong in the two fatal crashes, then pilots won’t be able to realistically experience how to properly respond, even if the FAA does not require the use of simulators.

  • This revelation seems sure to intensify concerns about Boeing as the company angles to regain its footing and following with the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines crashes in its wake. Its training has been a sore spot throughout the investigation into its 737 MAX aircraft.
  • Boeing said Thursday it completed its fix to the 737 MAX. With edits to the anti-stall system, the plan is to include new pilot training as well.

What's next: Per the New York Times, regulators are in the process of determining what training will be required. The company have changes authorized by regulators, who will need to approve them before the planes can take flight again.

Go deeper: Everything you need to know about the Boeing 737 MAX crashes

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Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of 2 a.m. ET: 859,796 — Total deaths: 42,332 — Total recoveries: 178,300.
  2. U.S.: Leads the world in confirmed cases. Total confirmed cases as of 2 a.m. ET: 189,618 — Total deaths: 4,079 — Total recoveries: 7,109.
  3. Business updates: Should you pay your rent or mortgage during the coronavirus pandemic? Find out if you are protected under the CARES Act.
  4. Public health updates: More than 400 long-term care facilities across the U.S. report patients with coronavirus — Older adults and people with underlying health conditions are more at risk, new data shows.
  5. Federal government latest: President Trump said the next two weeks would be "very painful," with projections indicating the virus could kill 100,000–240,000 Americans.
  6. Coronavirus in custody: Inmates in all U.S. federal prisons are set to enter a 14-day quarantine on April 1. A federal judge on Tuesday ordered U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to release 10 detained immigrants who are at risk of contracting COVID-19 while in confinement.
  7. U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt: Captain of nuclear aircraft carrier docked in Guam pleaded with the U.S. Navy for more resources after more than 100 members of his crew tested positive.
  8. What should I do? Answers about the virus from Axios experts — What to know about social distancing — Q&A: Minimizing your coronavirus risk.
  9. Other resources: CDC on how to avoid the virus, what to do if you get it.

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The novel coronavirus has now killed more than 4,000 people in the U.S. — with over 1,000 deaths reported in New York City alone, per Johns Hopkins data. The number of deaths are still much lower than those reported in Italy, Spain and China.

Of note: Hours earlier, President Trump noted it's "going to be a very painful two weeks," with projections indicating the novel coronavirus could kill 100,000–240,000 Americans — even with strict social distancing guidelines in place. "They are going to be facing a war zone," he said of medical workers.

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