FAA Fixes Tricky Airplane Hatches to Keep Flyers Safe
Published Date: 2/12/2025
Rule
Summary
The FAA is making sure certain ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes fix a tricky emergency escape hatch that’s hard to open because of wrong parts. Pilots and maintenance crews must check and fix the hatch drain hose soon, following new rules that stop using some old maintenance steps. This keeps everyone safer without breaking the bank or causing big delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory drain-hose inspection for ATR aircraft
If you operate or maintain certain ATR42 or ATR72 airplanes, the FAA now requires inspection of the flight deck emergency escape hatch drain hose for discrepancies and corrective actions where needed. The rule applies to the specified ATR42 and ATR72 models and is intended to fix cases where incorrect parts or too-small collars made the hatch hard to open.
Ban on certain maintenance-task instructions
This AD prohibits performing some maintenance actions using the instructions of specified maintenance tasks (as described in an incorporated European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD). Maintenance crews and aircraft operators for the affected ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes must follow the FAA-required instructions instead of the prohibited maintenance-task steps.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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