FAA Orders Screw Checks in Airplane Seat Buckles
Published Date: 8/18/2025
Rule
Summary
If your airplane has certain Pacific Scientific rotary buckles, the FAA wants you to check the screws inside them because some might be defective. You’ll need to inspect, fix, or replace the buckles to keep things safe. This rule kicks in soon and could mean some quick repairs or replacements, so plan ahead!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory buckle screw inspections
If your airplane has certain Pacific Scientific Company rotary buckle assemblies installed, the FAA requires inspecting the screws inside those buckles. Depending on the inspection results, the buckle must be reidentified, the screws replaced and the buckle reidentified, or the entire buckle replaced.
Prohibition on installing certain buckles
The rule prohibits installing certain Pacific Scientific rotary buckle assemblies on any airplane. Maintenance providers and parts suppliers must stop installing the specified buckles.
Seats may be taken out of service
The AD allows, as an option, prohibiting use of a seat until the required inspection and corrective action are completed. That means affected seats could be taken out of service while screws are inspected and buckles are repaired or replaced.
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