Originally Posted by
etudiant
The absence of any visible progress in resolving the MAX grounding more than 4 months after it was instituted is disconcerting.
Not only has there been no formal public discussion of the issues, there is not even an agreement as to which issues need to be addressed among the various regulators.
Unless there is tremendous activity well hidden and below the surface, the prospects for an early 2020 reentry into service do not look good. That raises the question of at what point the airlines throw in the towel on this model?
To answer this question, I'd think that France would be the best placed source of insight.
Afaik, the MAX engine, the CFM 56, is the largest export earner in the French industry, so the fate of the MAX is of keen interest to France.
Does anyone here have any French connections which could add a little informed perspective on the situation?
Here are the most recent EASA issues
Next major milestones Safety assessment of the new design changes proposed by Boeing, including operational procedures
Human factor evaluation and functional tests of the new software
Flight tests on a modified B737 max [one full week - at Boeing Flight Test Center] MCAS operations (nominal behavior)
Flight without MCAS (including high speed turns and stall)
Scenario of stabiliser runaway (uncommanded MCAS activation, manual trim wheel forces)
Approach to stall with autopilot engaged
Crew Training requirements, in particular using Computer Based Training or Simulator Coordination with EASA Member States on Return to Service actions
From EASA Sept report page 16