B737 Next Generation Undifferentiated
Flight Attendant Current
Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Maintenance Action
Human Factors; Procedure
I'm writing to report a safety issue that I continue to see on reconfigured aircraft; specifically newly configured B737's but also on [our] Airbus. The issue is usually with the window seats; but has been notice in other seats as well. Please be advised that this information was reported to the cockpit; but I am writing to ensure that this is brought forward to those responsible for safety at [our] Air Carrier; as I do not believe that individual maintenance technician's may realize that this is happening on a multitude of fleets. On this aircraft; seat 15 F [seatbelt] was incorrectly installed. The female portion of the seat belt is installed incorrectly; requiring the occupant to twist or turn the seat belt to be able to fully secure themselves. As I noted earlier in this report I continue to see this issue and feel that it needs to be addressed to ensure the safety of all passengers. Maintenance. Inspection Issue.
Reporter stated incorrectly installed passenger seat belts are appearing on numerous Airbus and Boeing B737NG aircraft after new seats are installed in the cabin. One of their Flight Attendant's Jump seat belt harnesses was recently found installed upside down. They are also finding similar belt issues at the Overwing Exits. All the passenger seat belt issues involve the buckle side of the belt; the female section; that are found upside down because the belt hook/latch is incorrectly attached to the seat pin. Passengers have to twist the buckle section of the belt to connect both belts. Reporter stated Flight Attendants have been told by their Maintenance technical group that incorrectly installed and twisted seat belts are acceptable for continued service; but would not put that answer in writing. Flight Attendants are unclear if the FAA has approved that type of incorrect installation.
A Flight Attendant reports the buckle section (female portion) of passenger seat belts are being installed incorrectly on numerous reconfigured B737s and Airbus aircraft. Passengers have to twist or turn the buckle portion of the belt to be able to fully secure themselves because the belt hook is installed incorrectly at the seat pin.