ATR Planes Get Stricter Safety Scrutiny from FAA
Published Date: 1/5/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating safety rules for certain ATR42-500 airplanes to keep them flying safely. Owners must update their maintenance plans with new, stricter checks starting February 9, 2026. This helps prevent problems but might mean some extra work and costs for operators.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Must update maintenance program fast
If you operate an ATR42-500 with an original airworthiness certificate issued on or before July 30, 2024, you must revise your existing maintenance or inspection program to add new, stricter airworthiness limitations. The AD is effective February 9, 2026, and you must make this revision within 90 days after that effective date.
FAA estimates $7,650 compliance cost
The FAA estimates this AD affects 11 U.S.-registered airplanes and that revising the maintenance or inspection program takes about 90 work-hours per operator at $85 per hour, for an average total cost per operator of $7,650 (90 hours × $85/hour).
Some prior AD tasks will be ended
If you accomplish the actions required by this AD, it will terminate the corresponding requirements of paragraph (j) of AD 2024-19-02 for the tasks identified in the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0005.
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