Proposed Rule2026-18749
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 14, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 6X and FALCON 7X airplanes, and certain Model FALCON 900EX and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of passenger seats sliding without passenger input, which subsequent investigation determined to be caused by the ring brakes and ring brake housing being out of allowed adjustment tolerances, failing to lock the seat in place. This proposed AD would require an inspection of each affected seat for discrepancies and applicable on-condition actions. This proposed AD would also limit the installation of affected seats under certain conditions. 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 176 (Monday, September 14, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 176 (Monday, September 14, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58036-58039]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-18749]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-8805; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01179-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 6X and FALCON 7X airplanes, and
certain Model FALCON 900EX and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. This proposed
AD was prompted by reports of passenger seats sliding without passenger
input, which subsequent investigation determined to be caused by the
ring brakes and ring brake housing being out of allowed adjustment
tolerances, failing to lock the seat in place. This proposed AD would
require an inspection of each affected seat for discrepancies and
applicable on-condition actions. This proposed AD would also limit the
installation of affected seats under certain conditions. 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 29,
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
[[Page 58037]]
No. FAA-2026-8805; 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#abeaefd8ebcecad8ca85ceded9c4dbca85cede"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1f5e5b6c5f7a7e6c7e317a6a6d706f7e317a6a">[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-2026-8805.
<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#bd8490fcebee90fcf4ef90fffcfef290fef2eefddbdcdc93dad2cb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e9d0c4a8bfbac4a8a0bbc4aba8aaa6c4aaa6baa98f8888c78e869f">[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-2026-8805;
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01179-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#7a43573b2c29573b332857383b3935573935293a1c1b1b541d150c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1a23375b4c49375b534837585b5955375955495a7c7b7b347d756c">[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 2025-0134, dated June 26, 2025 (EASA
AD 2025-0134) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe
condition for all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 6X and FALCON 7X
airplanes, and certain Model FALCON 900EX and FALCON 2000EX airplanes.
The MCAI states that reports of passenger seats sliding without
passenger input were received. Relevant investigations determined that
the ring brakes and ring brake housing were out of allowed adjustment
tolerances and failed to lock the seat in place. This condition, if not
detected and corrected, could lead to failure of the affected seat to
remain in its position during critical phases of flight, which could
result 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-2026-8805.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2025-0134 specifies procedures for accomplishment of a one-
time inspection of affected seats for the following discrepancies:
failure of one or both ring brake assemblies to lock the seat during
the functional test, and incorrect tension in the mechanical assembly
and, depending on findings, on-condition actions. On-condition actions
include realigning the ring brake housing assembly, replacing any
affected brake assemblies, and adjusting the tension in the mechanical
assembly. EASA AD 2025-0134 also limits the installation of affected
seats to those that have been inspected and on which applicable
corrective actions have been accomplished. 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 2025-0134 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 2025-0134 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2025-0134 in its entirety through that 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 2025-0134 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-
0134. Material required by EASA AD 2025-0134 for compliance will be
available at
[[Page 58038]]
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2026-8805 after the FAA final rule
is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 148 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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3 work-hours x $85 per hour = $255 per $0 $255 per seat............. Up to $717,060.*
seat.
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* The number of passenger seats varies by airplane configuration; the FAA estimates that there could be up to 19
passenger seats per airplane.
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $6,727 per seat... $7,067 per seat.
$340 per seat.
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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
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-2026-8805; Project Identifier
MCAI-2025-01179-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by October 29, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Dassault Aviation airplanes identified in
(c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any category, as
identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-
0134, dated June 26, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0134).
(1) Model FALCON 6X airplanes.
(2) Model FALCON 7X airplanes.
(3) Model FALCON 900EX airplanes.
(4) Model FALCON 2000EX airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of passenger seats sliding
without passenger input. Relevant investigations identified that the
ring brakes and ring brake housing were out of allowed adjustment
tolerances and failed to lock the seat in place. The unsafe
condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of
the affected seat to remain in its position during critical phases
of flight, which could result in 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, EASA AD 2025-0134.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0134
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0134 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2025-0134 specifies ``any
discrepancy is identified'', this AD requires replacing that text
with ``one or both ring brake assemblies fail to lock the seat on
the tracking tubes under the functional test criteria specified in
[[Page 58039]]
the SB; or any incorrect tension is found in the mechanical
assembly,''.
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2025-0134 specifies ``Where
B/E Aerospace UCT SB SB-3ABF0107-25-79 provides instructions to'',
this AD requires replacing that text with ``Where B/E Aerospace UCT
SB SB-3ABF0107-25-79 or the SB provides instructions to''.
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0134.
(5) Where the definition of Groups in EASA AD 2025-0134
specifies ``affected part'', this AD requires replacing that text
with ``affected seat''.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0134 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
include that requirement.
(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#6c2d21232f2c0a0d0d420b031a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="286965676b684e4949064f475e">[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#437a6e0215106e020a116e0102000c6e000c10032522226d242c35"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a69f8be7f0f58be7eff48be4e7e5e98be5e9f5e6c0c7c788c1c9d0">[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 2025-0134,
dated June 26, 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#26676255664347554708435354495647084353"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="99d8ddead9fcf8eaf8b7fcecebf6e9f8b7fcec">[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#284e5a0641465b584d4b5c4147466846495a49064f475e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e78195c98e8994978284938e8889a789869586c9808891">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on September 9, 2026.
Christopher R. Parker,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-18749 Filed 9-11-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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