EASA completes Boeing 737 MAX testing

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has completed test flights of Boeing’s 737 MAX so taking a significant step in restoring the aircraft’s airworthiness certification and returning the MAX to operational status. Transport Canada (TC) completed its flight testing last month. Both the European and Canadian tests involve validation of data collected by the FAA from 29 June to 1 July 1 using a MAX Seven.

In a statement issued on 11 September, the EASA said its next step in evaluating the aircraft for return to service will be to assess the data and other information collected from the flights ahead of a Joint Operations Evaluation Board meeting to be held at London Gatwick Airport within the next week.

Flight testing focussed mainly on the aircraft’s manoeuvring characteristics augmentation system (MCAS). It was a malfunction in this system that was identified during the investigations of and linked to two crashes in October 2018 and March 2019.

EASA and TC have been working steadily, in close cooperation with the FAA and Boeing, to return the 737 MAX to commercial service as soon as possible, “but only once we are convinced it is safe,” EASA said.

Transport Canada added it “will not lift the flight restrictions on the Boeing 737 Max 8 until the department is fully satisfied that all the safety concerns have been addressed by the manufacturer and the FAA, and that enhanced flight crew procedures and training are in place.”