A specific airplane buckle is now banned, and all others must be inspected

The US aviation regulator has issued a new rule for all airplanes that use a specific type of seatbelt buckle. This rule requires airlines to inspect these buckles for a manufacturing defect, replace parts, or remove the buckles entirely. It also bans installing these specific buckles on any airplane.

This is a small, specific safety mandate. It means airlines must spend money and time to check and potentially replace parts on every plane that uses these buckles. The rule also prevents future use of the faulty buckles, closing a potential loophole for new installations.