FAA Orders Tail Inspections for ATR Planes' Safety
Published Date: 2/18/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly or work with certain ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A planes, listen up! The FAA wants to check some tail parts because they might be made from the wrong material. This means inspections, reports, and maybe part swaps soon to keep everyone safe—so get ready to act and keep those planes flying right!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Mandatory part replacement for some airplanes
For certain ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A airplanes, the FAA proposes that affected fuselage-to-VTP fittings must be replaced rather than just inspected or repaired, per the EASA AD the FAA intends to incorporate by reference. That replacement requirement would apply to the specific airplanes listed in the referenced AD.
Inspect tail fittings for wrong material
If you operate or work on ATR42-500 or ATR72-212A airplanes, the FAA proposes inspections of the fuselage-to-vertical-tail-plane (VTP) fittings to check whether the fittings were made from improper material. The inspections follow the procedures in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD that the FAA proposes to incorporate by reference.
Corrective actions if improper material found
If inspections find that VTP fittings were made from improper material on affected ATR42-500 or ATR72-212A airplanes, the proposed AD would require corrective actions as specified in the referenced EASA AD. Corrective actions could include repairs or other mandated fixes to address the unsafe condition.
Require inspection reporting to authorities
The proposed rule would require operators to submit an inspection report after checking the material of the affected fuselage-to-VTP fittings for the specified ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A airplanes. The reporting requirement references the EASA AD procedures that the FAA plans to incorporate by reference.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-16803, Notice of Availability, Notice of Public Comment Period and Request for Comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) and FAA Order 1050.1G, FAA National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures, the FAA is announcing the availability of and requesting comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America (Draft EA).
2026-16795, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737 -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of nuisance stick shaker activation while accelerating to cruise speed at the top of a climb due to frozen angle of airflow (AOA) sensor vanes. This proposed AD would require installing new external case heaters (ECHs) on the left and right AOA sensors, performing repetitive functional tests and applicable corrective actions, and accomplishing applicable concurrent actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-16804, Establishment of Class E Airspace; Trading Bay Production Airport, Trading Bay, AK
This action proposes to establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Trading Bay Production Airport, Trading Bay, AK. This action would support the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-02606, Section 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit; Hearing Cancellation
The IRS canceled a public hearing about new rules for a tax credit that helps pay for special fuel stations in low-income or rural areas. This change affects people and businesses installing these fuel stations and means the IRS is pausing to rethink the rules. If you were planning to join the hearing, stay tuned for updates on when and how the IRS will move forward.
Next: 2025-02633, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA is updating safety rules for many Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 airplanes to fix a safety problem. This update adds new requirements and gives owners more time to share their thoughts before the rules become final. If you own or work with these planes, expect some extra steps soon, but no big money surprises yet!