FAA Orders Fix for Wonky Swivels in Airplane Medical Seats – Safety First!
Published Date: 4/24/2026
Rule
Summary
If you use B/E Aerospace Fischer medical seats model 230/305, heads up! Some seats have the wrong swivel part, which could be unsafe. Starting May 11, 2026, these seats must be fixed and re-labeled to keep everyone safe. Operators should act quickly to avoid delays or extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Fix or Tag Affected Medical Seats
If you operate helicopters with B/E Aerospace Fischer Medical Seat 230/305 affected serial numbers, you must either modify the swivel unit or install a "Do not occupy" placard before further flight starting May 11, 2026. The modification converts swivel P/N 9715-1 to P/N 9715-2 per Collins Aerospace ASB SB 9613-005, Issue D and is the terminating action for the AD.
Estimated Compliance Costs Provided
The FAA estimates the AD affects 59 medical seats and gives cost estimates: modifying and reidentifying a seat is $195 per product (1 work-hour at $85 plus $110 parts) and totals $6,490 for U.S. operators; installing a placard is $85 per product (1 work-hour at $85) and totals $5,015 for U.S. operators. The rule notes some costs may be covered under warranty.
Limited Special Flight Permits Allowed
Special flight permits may be issued to fly a helicopter to a location where the AD actions can be done, under 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199, provided the affected medical seat is not occupied in the forward-facing configuration. This allows limited ferry flights after May 11, 2026 so work can be completed.
Manufacturer Warranty May Reduce Costs
The FAA states the manufacturer may cover some of the AD costs under warranty, potentially reducing the cost impact on affected operators. The rule does not quantify the warranty coverage amount.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
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.
2025-04846, Extension of the Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya
The FAA is extending the ban on certain flights over Libya for three more years, until March 20, 2028. This affects U.S. airlines, commercial operators, and pilots with FAA certificates flying in Libyan airspace, due to ongoing safety risks. The rule also reminds everyone how to apply for special approvals or exemptions if needed.
2025-03853, Enforcement Policy Regarding “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States; Correction”
The FAA is giving repair stations outside the U.S. a break by delaying enforcement of new drug and alcohol testing rules until March 20, 2025. This means affected repair stations don’t have to worry about penalties if they aren’t fully following the updated rules just yet. The delay helps everyone get ready without rushing or extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-07917, Exceptions From Foreign Ownership, Control, or Domination
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is updating rules to allow some exceptions for foreign ownership or control of nuclear facilities, following a new 2024 law. This change affects companies with foreign ties that apply for or hold licenses for these facilities. The new rules kick in on July 7, 2026, unless people send in serious objections by May 26, 2026.
Next: 2026-08015, Generic Environmental Impact Statement for Licensing of New Nuclear Reactors
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission just updated the rules for checking the environmental impact of new nuclear reactors. This makes it easier and faster to review many reactors by using a common set of environmental factors, while still looking closely at unique site details. The new rules kick in on May 26, 2026, helping companies save time and money when applying to build new reactors.