Boeing is seeking additional regulatory exemptions from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to secure certification for its 737 Max 7 and 737 Max 10 models. The company made the request on January 17, 2025, citing the need for a temporary exemption regarding the stall-management yaw damper (SMYD) system. Boeing explained that a recent change in the aircraft’s classification left it unable to demonstrate that the system meets new and heightened regulatory expectations.
This exemption is crucial for Boeing to move forward with the certification process for both the 737 Max 7 and Max 10, two models that have already faced significant delays. The company emphasized that the approval would also enable the implementation of an angle-of-attack (AOA) system update, which is planned for all Max models, as part of ongoing safety and performance improvements.
The stall-management yaw damper is an important component designed to improve aircraft stability by managing the aerodynamic effects during certain flight conditions, such as stalls. Boeing’s request for the exemption reflects the complexities involved in meeting new regulatory standards while still achieving timely certification for the Max 7 and 10 variants.
The FAA’s response to Boeing’s request is critical to the timeline for these models, as well as the broader production and delivery schedules for the 737 Max family. With the aviation industry closely watching these developments, the need for further regulatory approval adds another layer of uncertainty to Boeing’s recovery from previous setbacks involving the 737 Max program.
This request comes after several years of scrutiny and delays related to the 737 Max models, following the grounding of the entire 737 Max fleet in 2019 after two fatal crashes. Despite these challenges, Boeing has been steadily working to address the issues raised by regulators, with the hope of returning these models to full service.
As of January 21, 2025, Boeing’s request for the regulatory exemptions remains under review by the FAA, with the outcome of the request likely to impact the company’s certification process and the delivery timeline for the 737 Max 7 and 10.