Quick Reference
This page gathers the differences from modules 1 to 7 for revision. Levels are the FSB's minimum training/checking levels from the 737-800 to the 737-8 (FSB Rev 17, Appendix 3). "Proc" means the FSB marks a procedure change. Weights are the maximum certified values, and dimensions the figures, in the EASA TCDS; the FSB tables print their own weight figures (module 2), and your aircraft's AFM may show lower weights.
In this module
- Side by side: 737-800 and 737-8
- Revision list
- Key differences
Side by side: 737-800 and 737-8
| Area | 737-800 (NG) | 737-8 (MAX) | Level | Module |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type rating | B-737 | B-737 (same rating) | (E*) B/B overall | 1, 7 |
| Engines | CFM56-7B series | CFM LEAP-1B series (proc) | B/B | 3 |
| Engine control | Overboost rating | No overboost; icing idle added | B/B | 3 |
| Engine alerts | REVERSER light | THRUST, REVERSER COMMAND, REVERSER AIR/GND, REVERSER LIMITED (proc) | B/B | 3 |
| Displays | Common Display System, six units | MAX Display System, four large LCDs | B/B | 4 |
| Standby instruments | Three standby instruments | Integrated standby flight display | B/B | 4 |
| Nose gear, tail lights | Nose gear 8 in shorter; single tail anti-collision and position light | Nose gear 8 in longer; dual tail anti-collision and position lights | A/A | 2 |
| Gear lever | Three positions (UP, OFF, DN) | Two positions (proc) | B/B | 4 |
| Spoilers | Mechanical | Fly-by-wire, with MLA, LAM, elevator jam landing assist, EDS | B/B | 5 |
| MCAS | None | In the FCCs, flaps up, manual flight | B/B; demonstration E*/A | 5 |
| Trim lights | NG logic | Revised STAB OUT OF TRIM and SPEED TRIM FAIL logic (proc) | B/B | 5 |
| Flap and slat position | Mechanical indicator | On the displays | B/B | 5 |
| Air conditioning | Simplified electronic pack flow control | Electronic pack flow control; EQUIP SMOKE light (proc) | B/B | 6 |
| Anti-ice valve alerts | Blue | Amber; new ENG ANTI-ICE alert (proc) | B/B | 6 |
| Bleed panel | BLEED TRIP OFF; RAM DOOR FULL OPEN lights | BLEED (proc); ram door lights removed | A/A, logic B/B | 6 |
| Overhead fault light | PSEU | MAINT (proc) | B/B | 6 |
| APU (Honeywell 131-9[B] on both) | MAINT light, EGT gauge | Retractable door and DOOR light (proc) | A/A, B/B | 6 |
| FMS | FMC U13 not basic | U13 basic, variable takeoff rating, fuel alerting and messages (proc) | B/B | 4 |
| MTOW | 79,015 kg (174,200 lb) | 82,645 kg (182,200 lb) | A/A | 2 |
| MLW | 66,360 kg (146,300 lb) | 69,308 kg (152,800 lb) | A/A | 2 |
| MZFW | 62,731 kg (138,300 lb) | 65,952 kg (145,400 lb) | A/A | 2 |
| Fuel capacity | 26,024 L | 25,817 L | none listed | 6 |
| Span with winglets | 35.79 m (117 ft 5 in) | 35.92 m (117 ft 10 in) | none listed | 2 |
| Special training | None | FSB Appendix 7 before flying the MAX | E* | 7 |
The two aircraft share a 39.5 m (129 ft 6 in) length, a 41,000 ft maximum operating altitude, 180-minute ETOPS approval in FSB Rev 17 (the 737-800BCF excepted), approach category C or D, landing flaps 15, 30 and 40, and identical autoland systems.
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All modules
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Sources
- FAA Flight Standardization Board Report, Boeing 737, Revision 17 (November 2020)
- FAA Flight Standardization Board Report, Boeing 737, Revision 21 (draft)
- Summary of the FAA's Review of the Boeing 737 MAX (November 2020)
- EASA Boeing 737 MAX Return to Service Report (January 2021)
- EASA Type Certificate Data Sheet IM.A.120, Boeing 737 (Issue 29, December 2025)
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.