Boeing has announced a change in its previous position regarding the required training of pilots for the operation of the 737 MAX by recommending all future pilots undergo simulator training as opposed to the previous exclusively computer-based training. Boeing had last year suggested that such training would not be required for the operation of its latest version of 737 narrowbody aircraft, a selling point used to market the aircraft against Airbus, Boeing’s European rival.
In the case that U.S. and international regulatory-bodies green-light Boeing’s most recent proposal, which isn’t projected to be the case before February or March, the result would be an even further delay in Airline’s preparation of crews to fly the 737 MAX. As it stands simulators for the 737 MAX are sparsely available (CAE having delivered 23 MAX full-flight simulators as of December), with American Airlines Group and United Airlines each having one such simulator.
The FAA has responded to Boeings recommendation by stating it would consider the suggested change in operator training during training evaluations of U.S. and international flight crews. Later this week Boeing will meet with aviation safety regulators from both Europe and the U.S. in an effort to complete a 737 MAX software documentation audit, which would mark an important milestone on the road to returning the aircraft to service.
