American pilots get MCAS training before expected software tweak

American Airlines has updated some pilot training to include discussion about the automated system suspected of playing a role in the deadly 29 October crash of a Lion Air Boeing 737 Max, according to the company's pilots' union. The training updates come amid expectation that Boeing is working on a software change to address concerns with the 737 Max's manoeuvring characteristics augmentation system (MCAS). Boeing added MCAS to the 737 Max because that aircraft has slightly different flight characteristics from the earlier-generation 737NG. MCAS makes the 737 Max behave like the 737NG by trimming the stabiliser so that the aircraft's nose drops if the aircraft approaches stall with flaps up. Airlines say Boeing never informed them of the system. MCAS is at the focus of the investigation into the Lion Air crash, which killed 189 people. American is now providing pilots with updated ground school materials that include discussion of MCAS, the FAA's directive and circumstances that may have affected the Lion Air crew, says Dennis Tajer, communications committee chair for APA, which represents American's pilots. Additionally, American's check airmen "got a really informative brief on MCAS" during American's quarterly meeting with check pilots, he says. "It's being briefed from top to bottom, and all the information is flowing well," Tajer says.<br/>