New Safety Rules for ATR72 Airplanes Issued
Published Date: 4/29/2026
Rule
Summary
If you fly or maintain ATR72 airplanes, heads up! The FAA is updating safety rules to make sure these planes stay super safe by June 3, 2026. This means new, stricter maintenance checks that might take some time and money but keep everyone flying worry-free.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
90‑Day Program Revision Requirement
If you operate ATR72 airplanes listed in this rule, you must revise your existing maintenance or inspection program within 90 days after June 3, 2026 to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The AD applies to ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or export certificate issued on or before September 11, 2024.
Rudder Travel Limiter Tests Required
Operators of ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A must perform operational tests of the rudder travel limiter unit as specified by the incorporated EASA AD. These tests are part of the new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations that must be added to the maintenance program.
Air‑Conditioning Shut‑Off Valve Tests for Post‑MOD 4511
For ATR72-212 and ATR72-212A airplanes that are POST MOD 4511, operators must perform operational tests of the air conditioning shut-off valves to address potential valve failure that could degrade fire suppression. This action is required by the incorporated EASA AD and must be included in the revised maintenance program.
Estimated Cost and Small‑Entity Effects
The FAA estimates this AD affects 32 U.S.-registered ATR72 airplanes and 6 domestic entities (5 of which are small entities). The FAA estimates average total cost per operator is $7,650 (90 work‑hours × $85 per hour) and reports this is about 0.189% of the average small entity's annual revenue.
No Parts or Downtime Expected
The FAA states this AD does not require parts and that revising the maintenance or inspection program is an administrative action that can be done without impacting operations, so the agency estimates no downtime costs. The FAA did not include parts costs in its cost estimate for this AD.
Completing AD Tasks May Replace Older AD Tasks
Completing the actions required by this AD will terminate the corresponding task requirements of AD 2024-24-06 for the tasks identified in the EASA AD 2025-0006 material. That means some previously required tasks will no longer need separate compliance after you satisfy this AD.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08943 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA wants to limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep people and property safe. Facility owners can ask for special drone flight restrictions, but they must prove it’s needed for safety or security. Comments on this plan are open until July 6, 2026, and these new rules could change how drone operators fly near sensitive places.
2026-09773 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
The FAA wants to make sure certain Airbus Helicopters have their engine parts installed correctly to keep flying safe. If you own or operate models like AS350 or EC130, you’ll need to check the main gearbox engine coupling soon and fix any problems found. Comments on this plan are open until June 29, 2026, and while inspections might cost some time and money, they’re key to avoiding bigger issues.
2026-09801 — Airworthiness Directives; Stemme GmbH Gliders
If you own a Stemme S 12 glider, heads up! The FAA wants you to regularly check your fuel system for leaks caused by certain copper rings and replace any faulty ones. This keeps your glider safe and stops risky fuel leaks, with comments on the plan due by June 29, 2026.
2026-09802 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Winnie, TX
Starting October 29, 2026, the FAA is creating new Class E airspace around Griffith Ranch Airport in Winnie, TX. This change helps pilots fly safely using instruments, especially in bad weather. Local pilots and air traffic controllers will notice smoother, safer flights with no extra costs or delays.
2026-09771 — Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
Pilatus PC-12 airplane owners and operators, heads up! The FAA is updating safety rules to fix a problem that could affect certain planes, meaning some extra checks or fixes might be needed. Comments on these changes are open until June 29, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up before any costs or work kicks in.
2026-09772 — Airworthiness Directives; Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. Airplanes
If you own a Diamond DA20-C1 airplane, the FAA wants you to check the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) because a missing wire might stop it from working in an emergency. They’re asking for a quick inspection and fixes if needed to keep you safe. Comments on this plan are open until June 29, 2026, and the fix should be pretty straightforward without breaking the bank.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08304 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA is updating safety rules for Boeing 757-200 and -300 airplanes to keep them flying safely. Owners must update their maintenance plans with new, stricter checks starting June 3, 2026. This helps prevent problems but might mean some extra work and costs for airlines.
Next: 2026-08306 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
If you fly on certain Boeing 787 planes, this new rule means crews must check special water system parts near some doors to make sure safety straps are there and installed right. Boeing found some parts missing these straps and fixed the design, so now old parts can’t be put back. These checks start June 3, 2026, helping keep flights safe without big costs.