Flight Controls, MCAS and Stabiliser Trim

The flight control changes are the ones that led to the MAX special training, yet every design item here carries Level B training and checking. The spoilers are signalled electrically, and the flight control computers (FCC) contain MCAS, a pitch augmentation law the NG does not have. After the two accidents the FCC software (version P12.1.2) and its alerts were revised, and special training was added (module 7).

The FSB rows at a glance

The FAA Flight Standardization Board (FSB) table from the 737-800 to the 737-8 lists these items under ATA 22 and ATA 27. None is marked as a flight characteristics difference.

The manoeuvre table adds three items at E*/A (the special training of FSB Appendix 7): a cross-FCC trim monitor demonstration, an MCAS activation demonstration and an erroneous high angle of attack (AOA) on takeoff. The updated AFDS logic near the stall (autopilot disconnect and flight director removal after stick shaker onset) is covered in module 7.

All modules

1. The MAX Family and Your Type RatingThe 737 MAX models, why they share the B-737 type rating with the NG, the FAA differences levels A to E and what they require from NG to MAX, where the Appendix 7 special training fits, and the facts of the 2019 to 2020 grounding.MODULE 1 · 7 MIN READ
2. Airframe, Dimensions and WeightsWhat changes on the outside of the MAX and on paper: engines, winglets, nose gear, tailskid and tail lights, dimensions, exits and seating by model, certified weights, and the altitude, speed and other limits in the type certificate.MODULE 2 · 7 MIN READ
3. EnginesThe CFM LEAP-1B that replaces the NG's CFM56-7B: engine models in the type certificate, why the installation matters, the EEC, indication, alert and thrust reverser changes the FSB lists, thrust setting, starting and limitations.MODULE 3 · 6 MIN READ
4. Flight Deck and DisplaysThe MAX Display System's four large screens against the NG's six display units, display formats and switching, the engine display control panel, EFIS panel, PFD and standby instruments, the two-position landing gear lever, and the FMC and CDU changes.MODULE 4 · 6 MIN READ
5. Flight Controls, MCAS and Stabiliser TrimThe fly-by-wire spoilers and their new functions, how MCAS works after the 2020 return-to-service update, and the changes to speed trim, stabiliser trim, STAB OUT OF TRIM and AOA DISAGREE, with the FSB level for each.MODULE 5 · 7 MIN READ
6. Systems by ATA ChapterThe remaining design differences in the FSB table from the 737-800 to the 737-8, grouped by ATA chapter with their training and checking levels, then the flight deck and procedure differences between the 737-8 and the 737-7, 737-9 and 737-8200.MODULE 6 · 6 MIN READ
7. Procedures and Special TrainingWhat changes in normal and non-normal procedures on the 737 MAX, the special ground and simulator training of FSB Appendix 7, and the additional requirements EASA set for the return to service.MODULE 7 · 7 MIN READ
8. Quick ReferenceOne side-by-side table of the main differences between the 737-800 and the 737-8 with their FSB training and checking levels, then a revision list of the facts and figures to know.MODULE 8 · 5 MIN READ

Difference Training on v1prep is for study, interview and exam preparation. It does not replace your operator's approved differences training, your AFM, FCOM and QRH, or the regulators' documents, which always govern.