Proposed Rule2026-18520
Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
September 10, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X, MYSTERE-FALCON 900, FALCON 900EX, FALCON 2000, and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reported occurrences of seats sliding without passenger input. The cabin seat track locking mechanism was found to jam in isolated conditions during taxi, take-off, and landing (TTOL). This proposed AD would require modifying or replacing each affected seat. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of affected seats. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 174 (Thursday, September 10, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 174 (Thursday, September 10, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57521-57524]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-18520]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-8801; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01495-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X, MYSTERE-FALCON 900, FALCON
900EX, FALCON 2000, and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by reported occurrences of seats sliding without passenger
input. The cabin seat track locking mechanism was found to jam in
isolated conditions during taxi, take-off, and landing (TTOL). This
proposed AD would require modifying or replacing each affected seat.
This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of affected
[[Page 57522]]
seats. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 26,
2026.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-8801; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material
identified in this proposed AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#eaabae99aa8f8b998bc48f9f98859a8bc48f9f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3f7e7b4c7f5a5e4c5e115a4a4d504f5e115a4a">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find this material on the EASA website at
ad.easa.europa.eu. It is also available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket
No. FAA-2026-8801.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brenda Buitrago Perez, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: 516-288-7368; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#85bca8c4d3d6a8c4ccd7a8c7c4c6caa8c6cad6c5e3e4e4abe2eaf3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d6effb978085fb979f84fb94979599fb95998596b0b7b7f8b1b9a0">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments using a method listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2026-8801;
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01495-T'' at the beginning of your
comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Brenda Buitrago Perez, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516-288-7368; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#192034584f4a3458504b345b585a56345a564a597f7878377e766f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a79e8ae6f1f48ae6eef58ae5e6e4e88ae4e8f4e7c1c6c689c0c8d1">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2025-0200, dated September 17, 2025;
corrected September 30, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0200) (also referred to as
the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for all Dassault Aviation
Model FALCON 7X, MYSTERE-FALCON 900, FALCON 900EX, FALCON 2000, and
FALCON 2000EX airplanes. The MCAI states that occurrences were reported
of seats sliding without passenger input. The cabin seat track locking
mechanism was found to jam in isolated conditions during TTOL. If not
corrected, this condition could lead to failure of the affected seat to
remain in its position during critical phases of flight, possibly
resulting in injury to passengers.
The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-8801.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2025-0200 specifies procedures for modifying each affected
seat (any single seat assembly and any double seat assembly having part
numbers and serial numbers listed in Table 1 or Table 2 of Appendix 1
of EASA AD 2025-0200). EASA AD 2025-0200 allows replacing each affected
seat with a serviceable seat in lieu of modifying the seat. EASA also
prohibits the installation of affected seats.
This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
of another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM
after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2025-0200 described previously, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2025-0200 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2025-0200 in its entirety through that
[[Page 57523]]
incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in
the regulatory text of this proposed AD. Using common terms that are
the same as the heading of a particular section in EASA AD 2025-0200
does not mean that operators need comply only with that section. For
example, where the AD requirement refers to ``all required actions and
compliance times,'' compliance with this AD requirement is not limited
to the section titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in
EASA AD 2025-0200. Material required by EASA AD 2025-0200 for
compliance will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-
2026-8801 after the FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 22 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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Up to 2 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up to $9,432........... Up to $9,602 (per seat Up to $945,797.*
$170. assembly).
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* There are 125 single seat assemblies at $4,801 and 36 double seat assemblies at $9,602 affected.
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of
this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the
cost impact on affected operators.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
Dassault Aviation: Docket No. FAA-2026-8801; Project Identifier
MCAI-2025-01495-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by October 26, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X,
MYSTERE-FALCON 900, FALCON 900EX, FALCON 2000, and FALCON 2000EX
airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reported occurrences of seats sliding
without passenger input. The cabin seat track locking mechanism was
found to jam in isolated conditions during taxi, take-off, and
landing. The FAA is issuing this AD to address seats sliding without
passenger input. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead
to failure of the affected seat to remain in its position during
critical phases of flight, resulting in possible injury to
passengers.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2025-0200, dated September 17, 2025; corrected September 30, 2025
(EASA AD 2025-0200).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0200
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0200 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2025-0200 defines the SB as ``Dassault Service
Bulletin (SB) SB 7X-556 Revision (Rev.) 1 or SB F2000EX-497 Rev. 1,
as applicable'', this AD requires replacing that text with
``Dassault Aviation Service Bulletin 7X-556, dated December 5, 2023,
or Revision (Rev.) 1, dated July 3, 2024, or Rev. 2, dated July 25,
2025; or Dassault Aviation Service Bulletin F2000EX-497, dated
December 5, 2023, or Rev. 1, dated July 3, 2024, or Rev 2, dated
July 25, 2025; as applicable''.
(3) Where EASA AD 2025-0200 defines serviceable seat as ``Any
single seat assembly P/N 3ABF0107( ) and double seat assembly P/N
3ABF0207( ), which is not an affected part'', this AD requires
replacing that text with ``Any single seat assembly P/N 3ABF0107( )
and double seat assembly P/N 3ABF0207( ), which is not an affected
seat''.
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0200.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0200 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
include that requirement.
[[Page 57524]]
(j) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the
International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD and email to:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#12535f5d51527473733c757d64"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d2939f9d9192b4b3b3fcb5bda4">[email protected]</span></a>. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Dassault Aviation's EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Brenda Buitrago
Perez, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516-288-7368; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1d24305c4b4e305c544f305f5c5e52305e524e5d7b7c7c337a726b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="91a8bcd0c7c2bcd0d8c3bcd3d0d2debcd2dec2d1f7f0f0bff6fee7">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0200,
dated September 17, 2025; corrected September 30, 2025.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e5a4a196a580849684cb8090978a9584cb8090"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c18085b281a4a0b2a0efa4b4b3aeb1a0efa4b4">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find this material on
the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St.,
Des Moines, WA 98198. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5137237f383f2221343225383e3f113f3023307f363e27"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a6c0d488cfc8d5d6c3c5d2cfc9c8e6c8c7d4c788c1c9d0">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on September 8, 2026.
Paul R. Bernado,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-18520 Filed 9-9-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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