Pilots' seats that slide during takeoff must now be inspected
What happened
The US aviation regulator now requires inspections for specific pilot and co-pilot seats. This is because some of these seats have unexpectedly slid backward during takeoff or landing.
Why it matters
When a pilot's seat moves unexpectedly during a critical phase of flight, it creates an immediate safety risk. This rule forces airlines to check for and fix a known problem with specific seat models. It means that a previously unaddressed mechanical failure now has a mandatory fix.
The signal
Watch for reports of how many seats are found to have the defect and how quickly airlines complete the required inspections and fixes.