MAX’s return to flight delayed by FAA’s re-evaluation of safety procedures for older 737 models

A review of Boeing’s 737 MAX jets has expanded to include emergency procedures used by pilots on earlier 737 models, further delaying the MAX’s return to service, according to US govt officials. The FAA hasn’t questioned the safety of older jets currently in service, these officials said, but the broadened review has become a significant factor in adding months to the time expected to get the grounded fleet of 737 MAX jets back in the air. As part of the FAA’s safety analysis of a proposed software fix for the MAX fleet, these officials said, the agency also is considering changes in how pilots of the entire 737 family are trained to respond when the flight-control computer or other systems erroneously push the plane’s nose down. That includes the 737 NG—some 6,300 of which are used by more than 150 airlines globally. <br/>