AREA:AVIATION
Boeing denies that already November 2016 errors in the MCAS of the 737 MAX came to light during a simulator test. An internal memo, published Friday, in which a test pilot shares his concerns about the behavior of the system with a colleague, according to Boeing related to malfunctioning simulator software.

The publication of the internal communication message caused a lot of indignation among congressmen, pilot unions and experts, but according to Boeing there is a wrong interpretation. The aircraft manufacturer said in a statement that he regretted that a clear explanation was missing when the message was released to researchers earlier this year.

Boeing says to have contacted test pilot Mark Forkner, who has since left, who refuses to talk to Boeing. But through his lawyer, Forkner said his comments were a reaction to the malfunctioning simulator program for the 737 MAX. That program was tested at the time.

Serious problems with the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), a software part of the flight control system, led to fatal crashes with 737 MAX aircraft from Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines at the end of 2018 and the beginning of 2019. The worldwide MAX fleet has been on the ground since mid-March, awaiting certification of adjustments with MCAS.

--- D'Bridge 3.99
* Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)