FAA administrator Steve Dickson speaking before the United States House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (December 11, 2019), said that certification of the Boeing 737 MAX will be a “thorough process…not guided by a calendar or schedule.”
The comments were made a week before Boeing made the decision to halt 737 MAX production. Boeing already has more than 400 of the new aircraft in storage. Getting these aircraft, plus those delivered to airlines that are also grounded, ready following the FAA’s decision and requirements will have to be Boeing’s priority.
The fact is, that FAA employees have been told to take whatever time is needed to complete a methodical review.
The 737 Max has been grounded nine months and based on the tasks outlined by the FAA, it is not a stretch to think it may take as long as another three months resolve all concerns and clear the aircraft for service.