FAA Proposes Boeing 737 MAX Seat Safety Inspections

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a new safety directive that would require inspections on certain Boeing 737 MAX aircraft after receiving a report that some passenger seat assemblies may not have been properly secured to the aircraft floor.

The proposed airworthiness directive applies to selected Boeing 737-8, 737-9 and 737-8200 aircraft. According to the FAA, around 453 aircraft registered in the United States could be affected if the proposal is approved.

FAA Responds to Seat Installation Report

The FAA said the proposal follows a report involving passenger seat assemblies where the aft fitting shear plungers were not correctly lowered during installation. Because of this, the fittings were not properly engaged with the aircraft's seat tracks.

The regulator warned that this issue could affect other aircraft built with the same design, making inspections necessary to identify and correct any improperly installed seats.

Incorrectly Installed Seats Could Create Safety Risks

According to the FAA, a passenger seat that is not properly secured could become detached if the aircraft experiences heavy loads, severe turbulence or an emergency landing.

Such a failure could lead to injuries for passengers and crew members. The regulator also noted that a loose seat could move into the aircraft aisle, making it more difficult for people to evacuate quickly during an emergency.

In its proposal, the FAA stated:

"The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in injury to passengers and crew during an emergency landing or could block the aisle, which could slow evacuation."

Airlines Would Need to Inspect Every Seat Assembly

If the directive becomes final, airlines would be required to carry out detailed inspections of the fittings connecting every track-mounted passenger seat assembly to both the left and right seat tracks.

Any seat assembly found to have been installed incorrectly would need to be properly secured before the aircraft continues normal operations.

The inspection timetable would follow the schedule outlined in Boeing's Special Requirements Bulletin issued in December 2025. Compliance deadlines would be calculated using the effective date of the final FAA directive.

Boeing Supports the FAA Proposal

Boeing released inspection and installation guidance to airlines in December 2025 through a Special Requirements Bulletin covering the affected passenger seat assemblies.

A Boeing spokesperson said the company supports the FAA's proposal to make these inspection procedures mandatory.

The required work would involve examining the seat track fittings on each affected passenger seat assembly and correctly reinstalling any assembly that is not properly secured.

Inspection Costs Could Reach $2.66 Million

The FAA estimates that inspecting each passenger seat assembly would require one hour of labour at a cost of US$85, with no replacement parts expected to be needed.

Aircraft layouts differ, but the regulator estimates that each affected aircraft may have as many as 69 track-mounted passenger seat assemblies. Based on these estimates, the total inspection cost for US operators could reach approximately US$2.66 million.

If inspectors find an incorrectly installed seat assembly, fixing the issue would require an additional hour of labour at a cost of up to US$85 per affected seat assembly. No parts expenses are expected for the corrective work.

Number of Repairs Still Unknown

The FAA said it cannot estimate how many aircraft will actually require corrective action because that will only become clear after inspections are completed.

The regulator also noted that some or all of the inspection and repair costs may be covered under Boeing's manufacturer warranty, potentially reducing the financial impact on airlines.