FAA Proposes Airworthiness Directive for Incorrectly Installed Seats on 737 MAX

Overview

• The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking that would require detailed inspections of every left- and right-side track-mounted passenger seat assembly on certain 737 MAX 8, MAX 9 and MAX 8-200 aircraft.
• Regulators flagged the problem after finding that aft fitting shear plungers were not correctly lowered and engaged in the seat tracks which can allow a seat to disengage under load and block an aisle during turbulence or an emergency landing.
• The proposed AD is based on Boeing’s Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1927 RB issued December 10, 2025, which outlines inspection steps and corrective measures.
• The rule would affect 453 U.S.-registered MAX aircraft and the FAA estimates inspections and any required fixes at about $85 per seat assembly with total U.S. costs near $2.66–$2.7 million though Boeing has told the FAA some or all costs may be covered under warranty.
• The FAA is accepting comments on the proposal through September 10, 2026, after which it may issue a final AD and airlines will schedule the inspections and on-condition repairs that protect evacuation and passenger safety.