FAA Writes New Rules for Gulfstream's Sideways Seats
Published Date: 7/10/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
Gulfstream’s Model G300 airplane is getting a cool upgrade with side-facing seats that may have airbags. Since current safety rules don’t cover these seats well, the FAA is proposing new safety tests to make sure everyone stays safe. If you’re involved with this plane, get ready to follow these new rules and share your thoughts by August 24, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Quantified Injury Thresholds to Meet
The special conditions set clear pass/fail injury limits that side‑facing seats must meet, for example: thoracic rib deflection no more than 1.73 inches (44 mm); abdominal force no more than 562 lbs (2,500 N); pubic symphysis force no more than 1,350 lbs (6,000 N); upper‑leg rotation limited to 35 degrees; and specific upper‑neck force and torque limits (e.g., upper‑neck tension <405 lb / 1,800 N). Manufacturers must demonstrate compliance with these numeric thresholds during certification testing.
Required Dynamic Test Methods
If you are the applicant or manufacturer certifying side‑facing seats for the Gulfstream G300, you must run specific dynamic tests using specified test dummies (for example ES‑2re or Hybrid‑II) and follow detailed positioning and setup steps. Tests require actions such as applying about 20 pounds (89 N) to the feet to compress the seat cushion, clothing ATDs with about 2.5 lb of clothing and size 11E shoes, and recording rebound which can require video longer than 500 ms.
Airbag and Leg‑Flail Protection Rules
If side‑facing seats include shoulder‑belt airbags or leg‑flail protection, those systems must protect occupants ranging from a 2‑year‑old child to a 95th percentile male, avoid inadvertent deployment, not impede rapid egress (must allow egress within 10 seconds after deployment), be protected from lightning and HIRF (per Sec. 25.1316 and 25.1317), function after loss of normal electrical power and transverse fuselage separation, and have inflatable material burn rate no greater than 2.5 inches per minute.
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.
2026-13941 — Revocation of Class E Airspace; Point Pleasant, WV
The FAA wants to remove the special Class E airspace around Point Pleasant, WV, because the instrument flight procedures at Mason County Airport were canceled. This change affects pilots flying under instrument rules and helps keep airspace rules clear and up to date. If you have thoughts, send them by August 24, 2026—no costs or fees involved!
2026-13947 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Geneva, OH
Starting October 29, 2026, new Class E airspace will be set up around the University Hospitals Geneva Medical Center Heliport in Geneva, Ohio. This change helps pilots fly safely using instruments, especially in bad weather. Local pilots and air traffic controllers will benefit, and there’s no cost impact for the public.
2026-13978 — Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. Engines
If you own or maintain Safran Arrius 2B2 helicopter engines, the FAA wants you to update your maintenance manuals with new, stricter rules to keep engines safe. These changes mean following tighter schedules and limits to avoid problems. You’ve got until August 24, 2026, to share your thoughts before these updates become official—and yes, this might mean some extra maintenance costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-13919 — Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Programs
The Federal Reserve wants banks it oversees to step up their game against money laundering and terrorist financing by creating stronger programs to spot and stop shady money moves. These changes line up with new rules from other agencies and the 2020 Anti-Money Laundering Act. Banks and the public have until September 8, 2026, to share their thoughts before the rules become official.
Next: 2026-13939 — Rescission of Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands; Minimum Property Standards for Flood Hazard Exposure; Building to the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard
HUD is rolling back its 2024 floodplain and wetland protection rules to how things were before, thanks to a new executive order. This change affects builders, developers, and communities by easing some flood risk rules but keeping helpful flexibilities. Comments on this proposal are open until September 8, 2026, so now’s the time to weigh in!