Federal Register #2026-10488

FAA Airworthiness Directives for ATR72 and Airbus A320 Aircraft

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the Department of Transportation, has issued new airworthiness directives (ADs) for ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR72 and Airbus SAS Model A320 series airplanes. - Government Buyer: - Department of Transportation - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch - OEMs Mentioned: - ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional - Airbus SAS - Products/Services Requested: - Revision of maintenance or inspection programs for ATR72 airplanes - Reference: EASA AD 20250046 - Requirement: Incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations to address potential ignition sources inside fuel tanks - Applies to 32 U.S.-registered ATR72 aircraft - Inspection of fastener holes for Airbus A320 series airplanes - Reference: EASA AD 20250065 - Requirement: Inspect fastener holes for manufacturing deviations affecting structural integrity and perform corrective actions as needed - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Compliance required within 90 days of the effective date for ATR72 maintenance program revisions - Ongoing regulatory safety compliance; no specific products, part numbers, or purchase quantities - Direct reference to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) directives - Places of Performance/Delivery: - FAA Airworthiness Products Section, Des Moines, WA - U.S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations, Washington, DC - European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Cologne, Germany

Description

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR72 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. It requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program to incorporate these limitations to address the unsafe condition. The unsafe condition involves the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. The AD is effective July 1, 2026.

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