FAA to Boeing: Check Those Wobbly Passenger Seats
Published Date: 7/27/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that certain passenger seat assemblies were not correctly installed in the seat tracks. This proposed AD would require a detailed inspection of the seat track fittings of each left and right side track-mounted passenger seat assembly for correct installation and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Inspection and repair costs for U.S. operators
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 453 U.S.-registered airplanes. The inspection is estimated at 1 work-hour at $85 per track-mounted seat assembly, with up to 69 track-mounted seat assemblies per airplane—giving a total estimated cost across U.S. operators of up to $2,656,845. If installations are needed based on inspection results, the agency estimates on-condition installation at 1 work-hour ($85) per seat assembly; some costs may be covered under warranty.
Mandatory seat-track inspections
The FAA proposes inspections of the seat track fittings on certain Boeing Model 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 airplanes (per Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1927 RB, dated December 10, 2025). The inspections check that left and right side track-mounted passenger seat assemblies are correctly installed to prevent seats from disengaging and possibly causing injury or blocking an aisle during an emergency landing.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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