Aerospace

US FAA clears Boeing flight tests for 737 MAX 10 certification

Boeing Found Guilty; Accepts Responsibility for Crashes Killing Over 300 People

The FAA recently granted type inspection authorization for the 737 Max 10, a crucial step that enables FAA pilots to participate in the necessary flight testing for the aircraft’s certification for regular operations. In a letter to employees, three Boeing executives highlighted this milestone as a significant step forward.

This development comes as a pivotal moment for Boeing, following the global grounding of the 737 Max series. The long-awaited type inspection authorization (TIA) for the 737-10 signals the commencement of formal FAA certification flight testing, representing a substantial achievement in Boeing’s progress since the 737 Max’s return to service.

Boeing 737 Max competing with A321

The Boeing 737 Max 10 is an enhanced version of the 737 Max family, capable of accommodating more passengers and offering an extended range in the aircraft segment. Positioned as a direct competitor to the European-built Airbus A321, the 737 Max 10 boasts the latest avionics, engines, and framework.

The 737-10 has been cleared by the FAA to begin certification flight testing, a significant milestone as we work to get the airplane certified to enter passenger service. ✈️ pic.twitter.com/iVZlYmyf3i— Boeing Airplanes (@BoeingAirplanes) November 22, 2023

The history of the Boeing 737 Max has been marked by intense scrutiny, primarily due to two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. These incidents prompted regulatory bodies worldwide, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to mandate comprehensive changes and improvements to the 737 Max series before it could resume operations.

Boeing responded by implementing software updates and modifications to address the identified issues, accompanied by enhanced pilot training programs.

Significant step closer to the global entry of the 737-10 into passenger service.

Despite facing significant market backlash and revenue losses, Boeing has diligently worked on the recertification of the 737 Max series. While some variants received certification in early 2021, the latest addition, the Boeing 737 Max 10, was temporarily on hold.

The recent certification marks a significant achievement, as expressed in the statement by Boeing’s senior executives, signaling a step closer to having the 737-10 enter passenger service globally.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted approval for Boeing (NYSE: BA) to initiate flight tests for its 737 MAX 10, the company’s largest aircraft. This authorization represents a key milestone in the progression of the aircraft’s testing and certification process.

Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.