ATR72 Pilots, Take Note: FAA Ups Maintenance Game for Safety
Published Date: 4/29/2026
Rule
Summary
If you fly or maintain ATR72 airplanes, listen up! The FAA is updating safety rules to make sure these planes stay super safe by adding stricter maintenance checks. Starting June 3, 2026, operators must follow these new rules, which might mean some extra work but keep everyone flying worry-free.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Operators must revise maintenance program
If you operate ATR72 airplanes listed in this rule, you must revise your existing maintenance or inspection program to add new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The AD is effective June 3, 2026, and you must make the revision within 90 days after that effective date.
New required operational tests
The AD requires specific operational tests: tests of the rudder travel limiter unit for ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes, and operational tests of air conditioning shut-off valves for ATR72-212 and -212A airplanes that are POST MOD 4511. These actions must be done in accordance with EASA AD 2025-0006 as adopted by this AD.
Estimated compliance burden and scope
The FAA estimates this AD affects 32 U.S.-registered ATR72 airplanes and 6 domestic entities (5 of which are small entities). The FAA estimates an average compliance cost per operator of $7,650, calculated as 90 work-hours at $85 per hour.
Safety risks addressed for passengers
The AD addresses two unsafe conditions: failure of air conditioning shut-off valves that could allow a suppressed cargo fire to relight and spread, and rudder deflection not being limited at high airspeed that could lead to loss of control. The FAA issued the AD to reduce these safety risks on affected ATR72 airplanes.
Completes certain prior AD tasks
Completing the actions required by this AD will terminate the corresponding requirements of AD 2024-24-06 for the tasks identified in the EASA material referenced by this AD. This change affects how operators meet prior AD task obligations.
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