Regulators Mull Simulators Before Boeing 737 MAX Can Fly: WSJ

(Bloomberg) -- Federal aviation regulators are considering requiring pilots to complete simulator training before they can operate Boeing Co.’s 737 MAX jets again, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing government and industry officials familiar with the matter.

The Federal Aviation Administration originally rejected the idea, causing extra costs and delays for airlines, the Journal said. But in recent weeks officials said there has been increased interest among agency and industry safety experts in requiring such training.

The FAA’s formal decision isn’t expected until at least February, and the situation remains “fluid,” according to the Journal. An agency spokeswoman declined to comment on specifics, saying more analysis and testing is required. A spokesman for the company told the Journal that Boeing is “evaluating all aspects of a safe return to service including pilot training, procedures and checklists.”

The planes have been grounded since March after two crashes within months of each other killed hundreds of people. The New York Times reported Sunday that Boeing was experiencing new problems with the plane that go beyond the initial software malfunctions that played a role in those crashes.

One of those issues is whether two bundles of wires are too close to each other, raising the risk of a short-circuit that could affect control of the plane’s tail.

Boeing Co. stock closed at a price of $332.76 on Friday.

To contact the reporter on this story: Danielle Moran in New York at dmoran21@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Elizabeth Campbell at ecampbell14@bloomberg.net, Kevin Miller, Ian Fisher

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