The FAA has proposed an Airworthiness Directive (AD) affecting Boeing 737-MAX aircraft after reports that passenger seat assemblies may not have been correctly installed in cabin seat tracks.
The directive, affecting 737-8, 737-9 and 737-8200 planes, would require operators to carry out detailed inspections of track-mounted passenger seat assemblies and take corrective action where installation discrepancies are found.
The action follows reports that aft fitting shear plungers on some seat assemblies were not correctly lowered and engaged in the aircraft seat tracks.
According to the FAA, an improperly installed seat assembly could disengage from the floor track system during periods of increased loading, turbulence or an emergency landing. The regulator warns that such a failure could result not only in injuries to passengers and crew but also in obstruction of cabin aisles during an evacuation.
The FAA has reviewed Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1927 RB, which outlines inspection procedures and corrective actions for affected seat installations. On-condition actions include correctly reinstalling any seat assemblies found to be improperly secured.
This proposed AD would affect an estimated 453 aircraft on the U.S. register. The FAA notes that aircraft configurations may include as many as 69 track-mounted passenger seat assemblies, each requiring around one hour of MRO time, meaning compliance could involve a substantial inspection programme for some operators.
