Boeing 737 Max Cleared To Fly In The US Again

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has lifted the order that suspended Boeing 737 Max operations for airlines under its jurisdiction, including those in the U.S. The Boeing 737 Max was grounded for 20 months after two fatal crashes aboard Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 that killed a total of 346 people last year. Flaws in the flight control system led to the crash of both aircraft.An Airworthiness Directive issued by the FAA spells out the requirements that must be met before U.S. carriers can resume service, including installing software enhancements, completing wire separation modifications, conducting pilot training, and accomplishing thorough de-preservation activities that will ensure the airplanes are ready for service.However, these actions do not allow the Boeing 737 Max to return immediately to the skies. The FAA must approve 737 Max pilot training program revisions for each U.S. airline operating the Max and will retain its authority to issue airworthiness certificates and export certificates of airworthiness for all new 737 Max aircraft manufactured since the FAA issued the grounding order. Furthermore, airlines that have parked their Max aircraft must take required maintenance steps to prepare them to fly again.