Plane Seats Rebel and Slide: FAA Orders Seat Swap-Outs Now
Published Date: 9/10/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X, MYSTERE-FALCON 900, FALCON 900EX, FALCON 2000, and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reported occurrences of seats sliding without passenger input. The cabin seat track locking mechanism was found to jam in isolated conditions during taxi, take-off, and landing (TTOL). This proposed AD would require modifying or replacing each affected seat. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of affected seats. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory seat modification or replacement
If you operate any Dassault Model FALCON 7X, MYSTERE-FALCON 900, FALCON 900EX, FALCON 2000, or FALCON 2000EX airplane, you must modify or replace each affected cabin seat per EASA AD 2025-0200 (dated September 17, 2025; corrected September 30, 2025). The FAA estimates this affects 22 U.S.-registered airplanes and that parts plus labor cost up to $9,602 per seat assembly, with a total U.S. operator cost up to $945,797.
Prohibition on installing affected seats
The proposed AD would prohibit installing any of the affected seat assemblies (those listed in the EASA AD) on the listed Dassault airplane models. Maintenance providers and operators cannot put affected seats back into service after the AD is adopted.
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Key Dates
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