Mar 11, 2019, 12:37 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Thread Topic
The reason for continuing this thread is to inform the UA traveler on the status of the MAX recertification and if / when UA might deploy the MAX aircraft. And UA flyer's thoughts about UA deploying the MAX if that was to happen.
Now that UA MAX flights have resumed, see UA statement at All about the Boeing 737 MAX: Safety, status and more
================================================== ========
The first B737 MAX, an enhanced version of the B737 family, started service in May 2016, a MAX 8. MAX 9 entered service March 2018. (UA service start date??)
The MAX series was ground in March 2019 after two incidents involve the MCAS; Lion Air Flight 610 - Wikipedia and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 - Wikipedia
United did not fly the 737 MAX 8 that has been involved in two recent crashes, but it had operated the 737 MAX 9.
All 737 MAX aircraft worldwide (MAX 8, MAX 9, and MAX 10) were grounded. Boeing in conjunction with FAA, EASA, Transport Canada and other national air safety organizations entered into a cause investigation, into the MCAS operation, into if sufficient training had been provided and into if the original certification process had been sufficient rigid.
Preliminary Summary of the FAA’s Review of the Boeing 737 MAX (PDF).
The FAA (18 Nov 2020), EASA (24 Nov 2020) and Transport Canada (17 Dec 2020) have re-certified the MAX 8 & MAX 9 for commercial flight
Boeing 737 MAX certification - Wikipedia
AA resumed use of MAX8 on 29 Dec 2020
UA plans to resumes service of the MAX9 in Feb 2020 (from IAH and DEN)
Airlines have resumed taking deliveries of the MAX 8 & 9
================
How to tell if your flight is scheduled to be operated by the MAX 9:
View your reservation or flight status page, either on the web or on the app. United lists the entire aircraft type. Every flight that is scheduled to be on the 737 MAX will say "Boeing 737 MAX 9." If you see anything else -- for example, "Boeing 737-900," it is not scheduled to be a MAX at this time.
The same is true in search results and anywhere else on the United site.
For advanced users: UA uses the three letter IATA identifier 7M9 for the 737 MAX 9.
B737MAX Recertification - Archive
The reason for continuing this thread is to inform the UA traveler on the status of the MAX recertification and if / when UA might deploy the MAX aircraft. And UA flyer's thoughts about UA deploying the MAX if that was to happen.
Now that UA MAX flights have resumed, see UA statement at All about the Boeing 737 MAX: Safety, status and more
If you do not wish to fly on a MAX aircraft, we will rebook you at no charge or refund your ticket. This includes domestic ticket changes, Basic Economy tickets and international tickets if you move from one of our MAX flights to one of our non-MAX United or United Express flights. If your original itinerary involved another carrier, we will attempt to rebook you on your original airline on a non-MAX flight as well.
When we begin to fly the MAX once again, you should feel completely confident that we have taken all the necessary steps to confirm that our 737 MAX aircraft are as safe as any of our aircraft flying today. Safety has been and always will be our top priority, and it’s something we will never compromise for any reason.
When we begin to fly the MAX once again, you should feel completely confident that we have taken all the necessary steps to confirm that our 737 MAX aircraft are as safe as any of our aircraft flying today. Safety has been and always will be our top priority, and it’s something we will never compromise for any reason.
We will waive any applicable change fees or difference in fare if your rebooked flight:
If you don’t meet these conditions but still want to rebook, you may use the value of your ticket to rebook on another flight without a change fee, but a fare difference may apply based on the fare rules of the ticket.
- Has the same origin and destination as your original flight
- Is in your originally ticketed cabin (any booking code)
- Is rescheduled for the same day or one day earlier or later than your original travel date
- Is a United or United Express flight only
If you don’t meet these conditions but still want to rebook, you may use the value of your ticket to rebook on another flight without a change fee, but a fare difference may apply based on the fare rules of the ticket.
READ BEFORE POSTING
Once again many posters in this thread have forgotten the FT rules and resorted to "Personal attacks, insults, baiting and flaming " and other non-collegial, non-civil discourse. This is not allowed.
Posters appear to be talking at others, talking about others, not discussing the core issues. Repeating the same statements, saying the same thing LOUDER is not civil discourse. These problems are not with one poster, they are not just one point of view, ...
As useful as some discussion here has been, continuing rules violations will lead to suspensions and thread closure. Please think about that before posting.
The purpose of FT is to be an informative forum that, in this case, enables the UA flyer to enhance their travel experience. There are other forums for different types of discussions. This thread was had wide latitude but that latitude is being abused.
Bottom line, if you can not stay within the FT rules and the forum's topic areas, please do not post.
And before posting, ask if you are bringing new contributing information to the discussion -- not just repeating previous points, then please do not post.
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
Once again many posters in this thread have forgotten the FT rules and resorted to "Personal attacks, insults, baiting and flaming " and other non-collegial, non-civil discourse. This is not allowed.
Posters appear to be talking at others, talking about others, not discussing the core issues. Repeating the same statements, saying the same thing LOUDER is not civil discourse. These problems are not with one poster, they are not just one point of view, ...
As useful as some discussion here has been, continuing rules violations will lead to suspensions and thread closure. Please think about that before posting.
The purpose of FT is to be an informative forum that, in this case, enables the UA flyer to enhance their travel experience. There are other forums for different types of discussions. This thread was had wide latitude but that latitude is being abused.
Bottom line, if you can not stay within the FT rules and the forum's topic areas, please do not post.
And before posting, ask if you are bringing new contributing information to the discussion -- not just repeating previous points, then please do not post.
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
This thread has engendered some strongly felt opinions and a great tendency to wander into many peripherally related topics. By all normal FT moderation standards, this thread would have been permanently closed long ago ( and numerous members receiving disciplinary actions).
However, given the importance of the subject, the UA Moderators have tried to host this discussion but odd here as UA is not the top 1 or 2 or 3 for MAX among North America carriers. However, some have allowed their passion and non-UA related opinions to repeatedly disrupt this discussion.
The reason for continuing this thread is to inform the UA traveler on the status of the MAX recertification and if / when UA might deploy the MAX aircraft. And UA flyer's thoughts about UA deploying the MAX if that was to happen.
Discussion of Boeing's culture or the impact on Boeing's future is not in scope. Nor is comments on restructuring the regulatory process. Neither is the impacts on COVID on the general air industry -- those are not UA specific and are better discussed elsewhere. And for discussion of UA's future, there is a separate thread.
Additionally repeated postings of essentially the same content should not happen nor unnecessarily inflammatory posts. And of course, the rest of FT posting rules apply including discuss the issue and not the posters.
The Moderator team feels there is a reason / need for this thread but it has been exhausting to have to repeated re-focus the discussion -- don't be the reason this thread is permanently closed ( and get yourself in disciplinary problems).
Stick to the relevant topic which is (repeating myself)
The reason for continuing this thread is to inform the UA traveler on the status of the MAX recertification and if / when UA might deploy the MAX aircraft. And UA flyer's thoughts about UA deploying the MAX if that was to happen.
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
However, given the importance of the subject, the UA Moderators have tried to host this discussion but odd here as UA is not the top 1 or 2 or 3 for MAX among North America carriers. However, some have allowed their passion and non-UA related opinions to repeatedly disrupt this discussion.
The reason for continuing this thread is to inform the UA traveler on the status of the MAX recertification and if / when UA might deploy the MAX aircraft. And UA flyer's thoughts about UA deploying the MAX if that was to happen.
Discussion of Boeing's culture or the impact on Boeing's future is not in scope. Nor is comments on restructuring the regulatory process. Neither is the impacts on COVID on the general air industry -- those are not UA specific and are better discussed elsewhere. And for discussion of UA's future, there is a separate thread.
Additionally repeated postings of essentially the same content should not happen nor unnecessarily inflammatory posts. And of course, the rest of FT posting rules apply including discuss the issue and not the posters.
The Moderator team feels there is a reason / need for this thread but it has been exhausting to have to repeated re-focus the discussion -- don't be the reason this thread is permanently closed ( and get yourself in disciplinary problems).
Stick to the relevant topic which is (repeating myself)
The reason for continuing this thread is to inform the UA traveler on the status of the MAX recertification and if / when UA might deploy the MAX aircraft. And UA flyer's thoughts about UA deploying the MAX if that was to happen.
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
The first B737 MAX, an enhanced version of the B737 family, started service in May 2016, a MAX 8. MAX 9 entered service March 2018. (UA service start date??)
The MAX series was ground in March 2019 after two incidents involve the MCAS; Lion Air Flight 610 - Wikipedia and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 - Wikipedia
United did not fly the 737 MAX 8 that has been involved in two recent crashes, but it had operated the 737 MAX 9.
All 737 MAX aircraft worldwide (MAX 8, MAX 9, and MAX 10) were grounded. Boeing in conjunction with FAA, EASA, Transport Canada and other national air safety organizations entered into a cause investigation, into the MCAS operation, into if sufficient training had been provided and into if the original certification process had been sufficient rigid.
Preliminary Summary of the FAA’s Review of the Boeing 737 MAX (PDF).
The FAA (18 Nov 2020), EASA (24 Nov 2020) and Transport Canada (17 Dec 2020) have re-certified the MAX 8 & MAX 9 for commercial flight
Boeing 737 MAX certification - Wikipedia
AA resumed use of MAX8 on 29 Dec 2020
UA plans to resumes service of the MAX9 in Feb 2020 (from IAH and DEN)
Airlines have resumed taking deliveries of the MAX 8 & 9
================
How to tell if your flight is scheduled to be operated by the MAX 9:
View your reservation or flight status page, either on the web or on the app. United lists the entire aircraft type. Every flight that is scheduled to be on the 737 MAX will say "Boeing 737 MAX 9." If you see anything else -- for example, "Boeing 737-900," it is not scheduled to be a MAX at this time.
The same is true in search results and anywhere else on the United site.
For advanced users: UA uses the three letter IATA identifier 7M9 for the 737 MAX 9.
B737MAX Recertification - Archive
B737MAX-Cleared by FAA to resume passenger flights;UA MAX flights resumed 11 Feb 2020
Apr 9, 2021, 12:42 pm
#391
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: DAY/CMH
Programs: UA MileagePlus
Posts: 2,474
Every airplane flying has been through similar teething pains. Catching and correcting problems is completely normal. That's what makes modern airliners so safe.
Apr 9, 2021, 6:23 pm
#392
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA GS 2MM
Posts: 947
Yes but this flies in the face of “the safest ever!” and “most scrutinized ever!” positioning upthread. No one wants a faulty backup electrical system.
Apr 9, 2021, 6:32 pm
#393
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,836
Per
Appears the AD only applies to some of the newer UA MAX deliveries, half of the present UA MAX fleet, and also appears after inspection many are being quickly returned to service.
ADs like this occur with some frequency for all aircraft and usually is the result of 1 or 2 occurrences detected, so the typical approach to inspect a wide window of aircraft, just in case.
UA grounded MAX units 7515-7530 for electrical inspections (16 total) after their flights on 4/8. Some are scheduled to fly tomorrow, some the 11th and some without a scheduled flight.
Looking at aircraft that were scheduled to be short term parked today, many are now covering, mostly 739s, with some 738s, 73G, Airbus and a 753.
Looking at aircraft that were scheduled to be short term parked today, many are now covering, mostly 739s, with some 738s, 73G, Airbus and a 753.
ADs like this occur with some frequency for all aircraft and usually is the result of 1 or 2 occurrences detected, so the typical approach to inspect a wide window of aircraft, just in case.
Apr 9, 2021, 7:49 pm
#394
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Paradise
Posts: 1,617
Apr 9, 2021, 8:27 pm
#395
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 4,771
Per
Appears the AD only applies to some of the newer UA MAX deliveries, half of the present UA MAX fleet, and also appears after inspection many are being quickly returned to service.
ADs like this occur with some frequency for all aircraft and usually is the result of 1 or 2 occurrences detected, so the typical approach to inspect a wide window of aircraft, just in case.
Appears the AD only applies to some of the newer UA MAX deliveries, half of the present UA MAX fleet, and also appears after inspection many are being quickly returned to service.
ADs like this occur with some frequency for all aircraft and usually is the result of 1 or 2 occurrences detected, so the typical approach to inspect a wide window of aircraft, just in case.
Boeing/Manufacturers do not issue AD's, the FAA is the only agency that issues AD's.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Apr 9, 2021 at 9:22 pm Reason: merged consecutive posts by same member
Apr 9, 2021, 8:32 pm
#396
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: BNA
Programs: HH Gold. (Former) UA PP, DL PM, PC Plat
Posts: 8,184
Sounds like there's the possibility that some airplanes ended up with paint between a grounding strap and the grounding point. The attachment has to be inspected and, if any paint is found, the paint has to be removed.
Apr 9, 2021, 10:07 pm
#397
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Houston/DC
Programs: UA 1K, 1MM
Posts: 564
Thank you for sharing the nature of the current "issue". Hopefully this will put some fears to rest.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Apr 9, 2021 at 10:29 pm Reason: discuss the issue; not the poster(s)
Apr 9, 2021, 10:19 pm
#398
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,720
New grounding, 16 operators (including UA) but not the full fleet.
Boeing has recommended to 16 customers that they address a potential electrical issue in a specific group of 737 Max airplanes prior to further operations, the company said.
Airlines need to verify that one of the components of the plane's electrical system is sufficiently grounded, Boeing stated. The company said it is working with the US Federal Aviation Administration to address the problem.
Boeing has recommended to 16 customers that they address a potential electrical issue in a specific group of 737 Max airplanes prior to further operations, the company said.
Airlines need to verify that one of the components of the plane's electrical system is sufficiently grounded, Boeing stated. The company said it is working with the US Federal Aviation Administration to address the problem.
I’ll say it again - hard pass on any MAX flights in my future.
Apr 10, 2021, 5:11 pm
#400
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 4,771
Boeing is recommending no ferry flights, aircraft have to be inspected/fixed before further flight no matter where they are located. In my opinion that indicates the somewhat serious nature of the issue.
Apr 10, 2021, 6:48 pm
#401
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Houston/DC
Programs: UA 1K, 1MM
Posts: 564
Depending on the number of techs available to make the necessary inspection & repairs, all of the grounded planes might be returned to service in a week or 2...
Apr 10, 2021, 9:29 pm
#403
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,836
Final 737 MAX assembly is in Renton, Washington
Apr 11, 2021, 12:15 am
#405
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,836
Yes
Modern airplanes are sufficient complex, a type is usually final assembled at just one location (see the link), although the 787 started in WA and was moved to SC
Modern airplanes are sufficient complex, a type is usually final assembled at just one location (see the link), although the 787 started in WA and was moved to SC