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 2 crashes. Boeing says it is working to fix the problem, which came to light during a final review of the Max by the FAA prior to certification. 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. <br/>
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Operators of Boeing 777-300ERs are being ordered urgently to remove another batch of interstage seals from General Electric GE90 engines, following an uncontained failure last October. The failure involved a THAI 777-300ER which had been preparing to depart Bangkok for Zurich. While the US FAA has already issued an emergency directive requiring removal of certain interstage seals on GE90s, it has followed with another emergency order expanding the serial numbers of the seals involved. The latest directive – adding another 16 serial numbers to the previous eight – is effective immediately and orders removal of the seals within 5 cycles. <br/>
Russian president Vladimir Putin has ordered a study into the potential for establishing a new airline for transport in the eastern regions of the country, particularly to remote areas. Putin has instructed prime minister Dmitry Medvedev to submit proposals for setting up an operator which would use Russian-built aircraft types, powered by domestically-manufactured engines. The proposals would need to include an indication of the most appropriate aircraft types and their passenger capacity, the president’s official office states. Medvedev has been instructed to draw up the proposals by the end of January. The work would include determination of a route network for regional air transport – taking into account modernisation of airports in the region and the prospects for passenger demand – and a starting date. <br/>