Federal Register #2026-08305

FAA Mandates Maintenance Program Updates for ATR72 Aircraft to Address Safety Risks

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is mandating updates to maintenance programs for ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional ATR72 airplanes to address critical safety concerns: - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service, Compliance & Airworthiness Division - OEMs and Technical Authorities: - ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional (OEM) - European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (referenced for technical standards) - Products/Services Requested: - Revision of maintenance or inspection programs for ATR72 aircraft - Incorporation of new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations per EASA AD 2025-0006 - Inclusion of ATR 72 Time Limits Document Temporary Revisions 22.1 and 22.9 - Operational tests required: - Rudder travel limiter unit (for ATR72-101, 102, 201, 202, 211, 212, 212A) - Air conditioning shut-off valves (for ATR72-212 and ATR72-212A POST MOD 4511) - Notable Requirements: - Applies to ATR72 airplanes with original airworthiness certificates issued on or before the specified compliance date - Addresses unsafe conditions: potential fire propagation due to air conditioning shut-off valve failure and loss of control from excessive rudder deflection - Compliance required within 90 days of directive's effective date - No specific hardware or part numbers are being procured; the requirement is for procedural and programmatic updates - Place of Performance/Delivery: - FAA offices and facilities in Westbury, NY; Des Moines, WA; and Washington, DC - EASA headquarters in Cologne, Germany (as technical authority)

Description

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR72 airplanes. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations to address unsafe conditions. The unsafe conditions include failure of air conditioning shut-off valves leading to fire safety issues and rudder deflection not being limited at high airplane speeds, which could result in loss of control. The AD is effective June 3, 2026, and applies to airplanes with original airworthiness certificates issued on or before September 11, 2024.

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