Federal Aviation Administration acting chief Dan Elwell said Boeing’s 737 MAX airplane software fix could be ready to be assessed by the regulator in just a few days.
During a tense grilling by lawmakers Elwell said the FAA may have the software upgrade in the ‘next week or so.’
Elwell said the agency will takes its time to assess it, and the 737 MAX will only be granted approval to resume flying when it is ‘absolutely safe to do so.’
"It’s important we get this right."
That was echoed by Democrat Rep. Peter Defazio: "The world is watching and the FAA and Boeing must get it right."
The FAA will undertake more test flights and take submissions from a technical review panel.
The 737 Max’ MCAS anti-stall warning system was linked to the crashes of Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines jets within the space of five months, prompting a worldwide grounding.
The two crashes led to the deaths of 346 crew and passengers.
Intense scrutiny has fallen on Elwell’s management of the FAA and its so-called ‘cozy’ relationship with plane maker Boeing.
"The FAA needs to fix its credibility problem," added Rep. Rick Larsen at the congressional hearing.
Meanwhile Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly said he is ‘hopeful’ its 737 Max 8s will be able to resume flying this summer.
