Boeing has identified a problem with the software on the 737 Max designed to monitor the performance of other systems during aircraft startup, adding another hitch to the Max’s return-to-service. The issue is relatively minor, according to an aviation safety expert, and unrelated to the flight control system implicated as a factor leading to two crashes. Boeing says it is working to fix the problem, which came to light during a final review of the Max by the Federal Aviation Administration prior to certification. “We are aware of this issue,” Boeing says in a 17 January statement. “We are making necessary updates and working with the FAA on submission of this change, and keeping our customers informed.” The FAA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The issue involves software that monitors various other systems. It ensures those systems properly come on line at startup when electricity is run through the aircraft, either via ground power or using the Max’s auxiliary power unit, according to Boeing and sources familiar with the issue. One of the system’s monitors was found to be functioning incorrectly, Boeing says. John Goglia, an aviation safety expert, former airline mechanic and former member of the National Transportation Safety Board, describes the issue as minor. He says that if the software system failed to detect an issue with the Max’s systems, pilots would still likely receive an indication of that fault in the cockpit.

Source: Cirium

IATA has recalled the designator code for Kazakh carrier Bek Air, three weeks after a fatal take-off accident led to an enforced suspension of the carrier’s operations. Bek Air has filed an appeal against the suspension, claiming that the decision is illegal. The airline had been operating under the ‘Z9’ designator code. But IATA formally notified the airline, on 17 January, that it was recalling the code with immediate effect because the company “no longer meets the qualifications” to retain it, and that it would be made available to other qualifying operators in 60 days’ time. Bek Air could secure reassignment of the code within this period if it proves itself eligible and settles any outstanding balances with IATA. The carrier is appealing the suspension which followed the 27 December accident at Almaty. Bek Air argues that the commission investigating the crash, which resulted in 12 fatalities, has yet to reach conclusions, and has been considering various possible scenarios including improper loading and balance, crew handling errors, technical failure, and the effect of weather conditions – including icing. As a result, it states, the decision by Kazakh civil aviation regulators on 27 December to suspend the airline’s certificate, until further notice, is “premature”. It says the decision “cannot be recognised as reasonable and legal”, adding that the communication on the suspension gives “no explanation” for it. This failure to indicate the specific breaches by the operator that justify the suspension amount to a “gross violation” of the procedure for carrying out the sanction, the airline states, and therefore the suspension itself is “illegal and must be cancelled”.

Source: Cirium

Airbus has secured type certification for the A350-900 from Russian authorities, ahead of the delivery of the type to flag-carrier Aeroflot. Russian air transport regulator Rosaviatsia’s official documentation shows the type certificate was drawn up on 13 December. Airbus says the approval is an “important step” and has been granted following “extensive collaboration” between the airframer and the Russian agency. Aeroflot has 14 A350-900s on order, after it trimmed eight -800s from its original agreement for 22 A350s. The aircraft is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Rosaviatsia’s type certificate only covers the -900 variant. No other Russian operator has direct orders for the A350. Aeroflot’s initial aircraft is to be delivered with a revised livery, which replaces the silver fuselage with white and features bolder titles for the carrier. It also enlarges the Russian flag design on the vertical fin.

Source: Cirium