Boeing now recommends 737 Max simulator training for pilots before flight resumption

An employee works near a Boeing 737 Max aircraft at the company's facility in Renton, Washington. PHOTO: REUTERS

WASHINGTON (REUTERS) - Boeing said on Tuesday (Jan 7) it was recommending that airline pilots undergo simulator training before they resume flying the 737 Max, a shift from its previous position that pilots only needed computer-based training on new software following two fatal crashes.

"This recommendation takes into account our unstinting commitment to the safe return of service as well as changes to the airplane and test results. Final determination will be established by the regulators," Boeing said in a statement.

In a separate statement, the regulatory Federal Aviation Administration said it "will consider Boeing's recommendations for flight crew simulator training."

Boeing has been working on revised pilot training and software updates for the 737 Max to win approval for commercial flights following a global grounding in March sparked by two crashes within five months that killed 346 people.

The planemaker had said in March 2019 it would propose requirements for pilots that did not include costly flight simulator training.

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