Boeing has formally requested a two-year extension from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for an exemption initially granted in 2023 concerning the 737 MAX 7 aircraft. This exemption, which pertains to the Flap-Slat Electronics Unit (FSEU), is set to expire on March 1, 2027. Boeing cites delays in certification processes for both the 737 MAX 7 and 737 MAX 10 as reasons for seeking this extension.
In its public filing, Boeing detailed that the FAA had granted an initial exemption on August 25, 2023, subject to specific conditions. By August 1, 2025, Boeing must submit a service bulletin for FAA approval to retrofit a software update of the FSEU across its fleet. The updated design must be incorporated into production aircraft by March 1, 2027. Additionally, operators are informed that they cannot fly beyond this date unless these updates are made.
“The March 1, 2027, date in the conditions was based on the anticipated 737-10 Type Certification timing," stated Boeing. "Boeing is seeking a two-year extension to Time Limited Exemption No. 21006 for the Flap-Slat Electronics Unit (FSEU) P/N 285A1200-5 for the 737-7 consistent with prior assumptions.”