Federal Register #2026-13924

FAA Proposed Special Conditions for Gulfstream G300 Side-Facing Seats

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, is proposing special safety conditions for the Gulfstream Model G300 airplane due to its unique seating configuration. - Government Buyer: - Department of Transportation (DOT) - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - OEMs and Vendors: - Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (OEM) - Products/Services Requested: - No specific products or services are being procured - The notice addresses regulatory requirements for side-facing seats in the Gulfstream G300, including those with airbag systems - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Focus on certification and compliance for side-facing seats oriented 90 degrees to the direction of travel - Special safety standards proposed due to the novel seat design, including dynamic test requirements - Detailed injury criteria, testing protocols, and requirements for airbag and leg flail protection systems - Seeks to ensure occupant safety equivalent to current airworthiness standards - Public comments are invited on the proposed rule - No part numbers, quantities, or procurement of goods/services are included; the notice is regulatory in nature

Description

This proposed rule by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) addresses special safety conditions for the Gulfstream Model G300 airplane due to its novel design feature of side-facing seats oriented 90 degrees to the direction of travel, with or without airbag systems. The existing airworthiness regulations do not adequately cover this design, so the FAA proposes additional safety standards to ensure an equivalent level of safety. Comments on the proposal are invited until August 24, 2026. The special conditions include dynamic test requirements for these seats to assess occupant safety.

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