FAA Proposes Inspection of Seats on Hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX Jets
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed an airworthiness directive requiring inspections of passenger seats on up to 453 Boeing 737 MAX jets registered in the United States. The FAA cited concerns that some seat assemblies may not have been correctly installed, potentially disengaging during turbulence or emergency landings and posing safety risks for passengers and crew. The issue could affect as many as 69 passenger seats per aircraft, with inspections estimated to take one hour each and repairs another hour without requiring replacement parts. Airlines might be able to expedite the process by having multiple staff inspect different sections simultaneously. The FAA noted that foreign regulators often follow U.S.-issued directives if applicable. Boeing acknowledged issuing guidance on this issue in December 2025 but welcomed its formalization as a mandatory directive.
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Topics: aviation safety Boeing production issues FAA regulation