FAA Orders Screw Checks in Airplane Seat Buckles
Published Date: 8/18/2025
Rule
Summary
If your airplane has certain Pacific Scientific rotary buckles, the FAA wants you to check the screws inside them because some might be defective. You’ll need to inspect, fix, or replace the buckles to keep things safe. This rule kicks in soon and could mean some quick repairs or replacements, so plan ahead!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory buckle screw inspections
If your airplane has certain Pacific Scientific Company rotary buckle assemblies installed, the FAA requires inspecting the screws inside those buckles. Depending on the inspection results, the buckle must be reidentified, the screws replaced and the buckle reidentified, or the entire buckle replaced.
Prohibition on installing certain buckles
The rule prohibits installing certain Pacific Scientific rotary buckle assemblies on any airplane. Maintenance providers and parts suppliers must stop installing the specified buckles.
Seats may be taken out of service
The AD allows, as an option, prohibiting use of a seat until the required inspection and corrective action are completed. That means affected seats could be taken out of service while screws are inspected and buckles are repaired or replaced.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13440 — Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-13861 — Amendment of Class D and Class E Airspace; Morgantown, WV
The FAA wants to update the airspace rules around Morgantown Municipal Airport in West Virginia to keep flights safe and smooth, especially for pilots using instruments to fly. This change affects pilots and air traffic controllers and won’t cost anyone extra. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until August 24, 2026, to speak up!
2026-13869 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA wants Boeing 747-400 and -8 airplane owners to check certain fuel tank pump parts regularly to keep flights safe. They’re updating rules to require more frequent inspections and fixing or replacing parts if needed. Comments on this plan are open until August 24, 2026, and these changes could mean some extra maintenance costs but will keep planes flying safely.
2026-13781 — Airworthiness Directives; Restricted Category Model CH-47D Helicopters
If you own or operate a restricted category CH-47D helicopter, the FAA wants you to check and report on certain parts of the right-hand forward transmission support beam to keep things safe. They’ve updated the rules to focus inspections more narrowly and give you more time to report findings. Comments on these changes are open until August 24, 2026, and following them helps avoid costly repairs or safety issues down the line.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-15687 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA just issued a new rule for all Airbus A321-271NY airplanes to keep them safe. If certain parts that might cause problems are found, they have to be fixed or removed, and those parts can’t be put back in. This keeps passengers and crews safe without causing big delays or costs.
Next: 2025-15689 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA is updating safety rules for certain Airbus airplanes, including a new model, the A321-253NY. If you fly or fix these planes, you need to replace some parts called stabilizer actuators and can’t put the old, risky ones back in. This keeps everyone safer and makes sure the planes stay in top shape without extra costs beyond the part swaps.