MONTREAL/WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Transport Canada said it plans to conduct flight test activities for the validation of Boeing Co’s grounded 737 MAX during the week of Aug. 24, the regulator told Reuters on Thursday, as part of global efforts to return the plane to service following two fatal crashes involving the model.

Transport Canada is said to be the first foreign regulator to conduct these activities, following certification test flights performed by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) earlier this summer.

Regulators from around the world have been scrutinizing proposed software changes and training revisions before they can clear the MAX to fly again.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) does not currently have a schedule for such tests yet, a spokeswoman said.

The flight tests are part of the regulator’s “independent review” on whether to validate proposed changes by Boeing to the aircraft, Transport Canada said.

“These tests will validate key areas of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) certification, and will provide a first-hand assessment for TC’s independent review,” the regulator said.

TC said it is also preparing to participate in a Joint Operational Evaluation Board (JOEB) which also includes international partners from Europe, and Brazil will evaluate minimum pilot training requirements

“The scheduling and participation in the JOEB is dependent on the outcomes of the current certification and validation activities,” Transport Canada said.

The FAA said it would not “comment on specific timeframes,” and said “JOEB is the next milestone.”

It added that “each country will make its own decision” on return to service.

Reuters
Photo Rob Vogelaar