Federal Register #2026-10487

FAA Airworthiness Directive: Maintenance Program Revision for ATR42-500 Aircraft

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, has issued an airworthiness directive (AD) targeting ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42-500 airplanes. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch - OEMs and Vendors: - ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional (OEM) - European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (regulatory authority) - Products/Services Requested: - Revision of maintenance or inspection programs for ATR42-500 aircraft - Incorporation of new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations as specified in EASA AD 20250045 - No specific part numbers or physical products are being procured; requirement is for programmatic compliance - Affects 9 U.S.-registered airplanes and 3 small domestic entities - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Compliance with EASA AD 20250045, with certain FAA exceptions and provisions for alternative methods of compliance - Addresses unsafe conditions related to potential ignition sources inside fuel tanks to prevent fuel tank explosions - Estimated compliance cost is $7,650 per operator - Applies to ATR42-500 aircraft with original or export airworthiness certificates issued on or before the specified cutoff - Period of Performance: - Effective date is July 1, 2026 - Compliance required within 90 days of the effective date - Locations: - FAA Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA - FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590

Description

This airworthiness directive (AD) requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations for certain ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42-500 airplanes. The AD addresses unsafe conditions related to potential ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. The directive is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is effective July 1, 2026. It mandates compliance with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 20250045 with specific exceptions and provisions for alternative methods of compliance.

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