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What is the MCAS system on the Boeing 737 MAX 8?
The Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) is a flight control law built into the Boeing 737 MAX’s flight control computer, designed to help the aircraft emulate the handling characteristics of the earlier Boeing 737 Next Generation.
What does the 737 Max MCAS do?
MCAS provides signals to move the horizontal stabilizer at elevated angles of attack to compensate for the aerodynamic effects of the 737 MAX’s larger and more forward-located engines, resulting in the required column feel to the pilot. Duration of the MCAS command is a function of AOA and airspeed.
Does the 737 MAX still have MCAS?
That system was MCAS. With the program directive to limit training for 737 NG pilots to Level B in place, Boeing actively downplayed MCAS as not a new or novel system for the Max, but an extension of the existing 737 NG’s Speed Trim System that assists when hand-flying the aircraft.
Does the Boeing 737 Max still have MCAS?
Does the Boeing 737 MAX still have MCAS?
What did they fix on the 737 Max?
Boeing Says F.A.A. Has Approved New Fix for 737 Max. Last November, the Federal Aviation Administration cleared the fleet to fly again provided that Boeing and airlines updated the Max’s flight control software and rerouted some electrical wiring, among other changes.
Why is MCAS important to Boeing 737 MAX?
Safety officials around the world are scrutinizing the changes to MCAS that Boeing has proposed to ensure such accidents won’t happen again. And they are assessing what training pilots may need on the new system. “Safety is our top priority,” Boeing said in a statement.
Why did Boeing not tell pilots about MCAS?
As Boeing and the FAA advanced the 737 MAX toward production, they limited the scrutiny and testing of the MCAS design. Then they agreed not to inform pilots about MCAS in manuals, even though Boeing’s safety analysis expected pilots to be the primary backstop in the event the system went haywire.
How many flight hours did Boeing 737 MAX have?
In its first year in service, the MAX fleet logged 118,000 flight hours. So even though this original version of MCAS required two factors — angle of attack and G-force — to activate, Boeing’s analysis indicated that just one sensor would be acceptable in all circumstances.
How is the grounding of the 737 MAX going?
The grounding of the MAX has entered its 15th week. Safety officials around the world are scrutinizing the changes to MCAS that Boeing has proposed to ensure such accidents won’t happen again. And they are assessing what training pilots may need on the new system.