FAA: Fix Seats Sliding Solo on Luxury Falcons Now!
Published Date: 9/14/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 6X and FALCON 7X airplanes, and certain Model FALCON 900EX and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of passenger seats sliding without passenger input, which subsequent investigation determined to be caused by the ring brakes and ring brake housing being out of allowed adjustment tolerances, failing to lock the seat in place. This proposed AD would require an inspection of each affected seat for discrepancies and applicable on-condition actions. This proposed AD would also limit the installation of affected seats under certain conditions. 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.
Operators must inspect and repair seats
If you operate a Dassault Model FALCON 6X, 7X, 900EX, or 2000EX airplane, the FAA proposes a one-time inspection of each affected passenger seat and required corrective actions per EASA AD 2025-0134. The FAA estimates this inspection is 3 work-hours (3 x $85 = $255) per seat, up to 19 seats per airplane, affecting 148 U.S.-registered airplanes and a total estimated compliance cost across U.S. operators of up to $717,060; on-condition repairs are estimated at $7,067 per seat (4 work-hours = $340 labor + $6,727 parts).
Passenger safety risk reduced
You as a passenger on the affected Dassault models are less likely to experience a seat sliding unexpectedly because the proposed AD requires inspecting ring brakes and taking corrective actions when brakes or tension are out of tolerance. The rule also limits installing affected seats unless they have been inspected and any required corrective actions are done, which aims to prevent injury during critical phases of flight.
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Key Dates
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