FAA proposes seat inspection directive for 453 Boeing 737 MAX jets

Dhaka: The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a new airworthiness directive requiring inspections of passenger seat assemblies on 453 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, citing a potential installation defect.

The proposal, announced July 27, follows a review of a Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin dated December 10, 2025. It applies to certain 737 MAX 8, MAX 9, and MAX 8-200 variants.

According to the FAA, aft-fitting shear plungers on some track-mounted seat assemblies were not properly lowered or engaged in the seat tracks, an issue that could let seats disengage under increased load, turbulence, or during an emergency landing.

"This condition, if not addressed, could result in injury to passengers and crew during an emergency landing or could block the aisle, which could slow evacuation," the regulator said.

The FAA said the directive was being proposed after determining the defect could exist or develop on other aircraft sharing the same design.

Each affected aircraft may have up to 69 track-mounted passenger seat assemblies requiring a detailed inspection for correct installation, along with any necessary corrective action.

The regulator estimated inspection costs at USD 85 per seat assembly, with total costs for US operators reaching up to USD 2,656,845. Any required repair work would cost an additional USD 85 per assembly.

Boeing has told the FAA that some or all of the costs tied to the proposed directive may be covered under warranty.

The FAA said it will accept public comments on the proposed rule through September 10, 2026, before finalizing the directive.