Accidents
FAA Lifts Grounding Order for Boeing 737 Max
A new order signed by FAA Administrator Steve Dickson paves the way for the Max’s return to service by year-end.
A Lion Air Boeing 737 Max 8 sits in storage in Moses Lake, Washington, in October 2019. (Photo: Barry Ambrose)
A Lion Air Boeing 737 Max 8 sits in storage in Moses Lake, Washington, in October 2019. (Photo: Barry Ambrose)

The FAA has lifted its grounding order for the Boeing 737 Max and published an airworthiness directive (AD) specifying needed design changes and new training requirements for the airplane, the agency announced Wednesday. Although FAA Administrator Steve Dickson signed an order that provides a pathway for the Max to resume commercial service, the agency stressed that its actions do not allow the Max to return immediately to the skies, adding that it must approve pilot training program revisions for each U.S. Max operator and certify each airplane for delivery. Meanwhile, airlines that have parked their Max aircraft must perform various maintenance tasks to prepare them to fly again.