FAA: Ditch dodgy plane nose probes before April takeoff
Published Date: 2/28/2025
Rule
Summary
If you fly or work with ATR42 or ATR72 airplanes, listen up! The FAA found that a part called the Angle of Attack probe isn’t accurate enough at low speeds, which could delay a safety feature from kicking in. Starting April 4, 2025, all affected parts must be swapped out for safer ones, and no old parts can be put back in. This keeps flights safer without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory AoA probe replacement and ban
If you operate ATR42 or ATR72 airplanes, you must replace every affected Angle of Attack (AoA) probe (part number 0861GP) with a serviceable part and you may not install affected parts anymore. This AD is effective April 4, 2025, applies to the listed ATR42 and ATR72 models, and the FAA estimates it affects 77 U.S.-registered airplanes at an estimated cost per airplane of up to $152,058 (labor: up to 5 work-hours at $85/hour = $425; parts: up to $151,633), for a total U.S. operator cost of up to $11,708,466.
Reduces risk of loss-of-control events
The rule fixes an AoA probe accuracy problem at low airspeeds that could delay stick pusher activation in flaps-extended flight. Replacing the affected probes is intended to prevent delayed stick pusher activation and the potential for non-activation that could lead to loss of control of the airplane.
No FAA reporting requirement included
Although the EASA AD referenced by this rule requires submittal of certain information to the manufacturer, this FAA AD explicitly does not include that reporting requirement, reducing an administrative obligation for U.S. operators.
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: 2025-03293, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
If you fly or work with Airbus A330-841 and -941 planes, listen up! The FAA is tightening safety rules by making you replace certain high-pressure valve clips more often and update flight manuals sooner. These changes start April 4, 2025, to keep everyone safer without breaking the bank.
Next: 2025-03325, Connect America Fund et al.
The FCC just got the green light from the Office of Management and Budget to keep collecting info for the Connect America Fund rules for the next three years. This means telecom companies involved in the fund need to follow updated reporting rules starting February 28, 2025. These changes help make sure the fund supports better internet access across America without extra hassle or cost surprises.