FAA Orders Seat-Disabling and Signs for Faulty Plane Buckles
Published Date: 2/11/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating rules for airplanes with certain Pacific Scientific buckles that might have faulty screws. This means more planes are affected, and crews can temporarily disable seats by removing parts and adding warning signs until fixes are done. If you fly or work on these planes, expect some extra steps soon to keep everyone safe, and the FAA wants your feedback on these changes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Temporary seat disablement option
As an option, crews may remove the male side from the lap of the restraint system assembly and install a placard stating that use of the seat is prohibited. That crewmember seat or passenger seat would then be prohibited from use until the actions proposed by this SNPRM are accomplished and the male side is reinstalled.
Expanded aircraft applicability
The FAA broadened this safety proposal to apply to additional airplanes that have Pacific Scientific Company rotary buckle assemblies because more screws were discovered to be affected by the unsafe condition. If you fly on or work on these airplanes, the rule may apply to more aircraft than in the earlier proposal.
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