FAA to ATR Planes: Check Your Tail Materials or Else
Published Date: 2/18/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to make sure certain ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A airplanes are super safe by checking if the right materials were used in their tail parts. Some planes will need inspections and reports, while others might need part replacements. Comments on this plan are open until April 4, 2025, and these fixes help keep flights safe without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Mandatory inspections and part replacements
If you operate ATR42-500 or ATR72-212A airplanes identified in EASA AD 2024-0120, you must perform inspections of fuselage-to-vertical tail plane (VTP) fittings using electrical conductivity, hardness, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) tests, and follow corrective actions or replace fittings as specified in EASA AD 2024-0120. The FAA proposes these actions to address possible improper material in those fittings and requires compliance in the times specified in the referenced EASA AD.
30‑day inspection reporting requirement
You must submit inspection results to the manufacturer within 30 days: if the inspection occurs on or after this AD's effective date, submit within 30 days after the inspection; if the inspection was done before the AD's effective date, submit within 30 days after the AD's effective date. The FAA estimates filing each required report takes about 1 hour and is covered under OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
Very limited U.S. fleet impact
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 1 airplane of U.S. registry. That means the direct compliance cost to U.S. operators is expected to be limited in scope.
Possible warranty coverage reduces operator cost
The FAA notes the manufacturer has indicated some or all costs of the required actions may be covered under warranty, which could reduce out-of-pocket expenses for affected operators.
Interim action may lead to future rulemaking
The FAA considers this proposed AD an interim action: required inspection reports will inform the manufacturer and FAA, and the FAA may issue further rulemaking later to mandate final corrective actions based on those results.
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
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
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.
2025-04846, Extension of the Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya
The FAA is extending the ban on certain flights over Libya for three more years, until March 20, 2028. This affects U.S. airlines, commercial operators, and pilots with FAA certificates flying in Libyan airspace, due to ongoing safety risks. The rule also reminds everyone how to apply for special approvals or exemptions if needed.
2025-03853, Enforcement Policy Regarding “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States; Correction”
The FAA is giving repair stations outside the U.S. a break by delaying enforcement of new drug and alcohol testing rules until March 20, 2025. This means affected repair stations don’t have to worry about penalties if they aren’t fully following the updated rules just yet. The delay helps everyone get ready without rushing or extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-02606, Section 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit; Hearing Cancellation
The IRS has canceled the public hearing that was set for February 12, 2025, about tax credits for installing alternative fuel vehicle refueling stations in low-income or non-urban areas. This change affects businesses and communities interested in these tax breaks under the Inflation Reduction Act. While the hearing is off, you can still share your thoughts online before final rules are made.
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 issue. This update adds new requirements, so the FAA is asking for public feedback by April 4, 2025. Airlines flying these models should get ready for possible extra work and costs to keep their planes safe and flying.