FAA Expands Airplane Rib Inspections for More ATR Models Worldwide
Published Date: 8/14/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-21- 10, which applied to certain ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A airplanes. AD 2023-21-10 required an inspection of the horizontal stabilizer (HS) left- and right-hand leading edge lateral ribs, the box in between, the center box upper panel, and HS forward back-up fitting for discrepancies and applicable corrective action. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-21-10, it was determined that additional airplanes are affected and additional areas must be inspected. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2023-21-10 and requires expanding the applicability and inspecting the HS front spar web and center box internal area for discrepancies and accomplishing applicable corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Expanded HS Inspection Requirement
If you operate affected ATR42-500 or ATR72-212A airplanes, this AD (effective September 18, 2026) continues prior inspections and adds inspections of the horizontal stabilizer front spar web and center box internal area. The FAA estimates the AD affects 16 U.S.-registered airplanes and lists inspection labor of 8 work-hours ($680 at $85/hr) for retained actions and 14 work-hours ($1,190 at $85/hr) for the new actions, with corresponding total costs to U.S. operators of $10,880 and $19,040.
Crack Findings Require Repair Before Flight
If an inspection finds any crack in the horizontal stabilizer, the AD requires the crack be repaired before further flight using a method approved by the FAA International Validation Branch manager, EASA, or ATR's EASA Design Organization Approval. For other discrepancies, operators must contact ATR for approved repair instructions and accomplish them within the specified compliance time.
No Reporting to Manufacturer Required
Unlike the referenced EASA AD, this FAA AD does not include the requirement to submit certain information to the manufacturer after inspections. Operators therefore are not required by this AD to provide that post-inspection reporting.
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