ATR Planes Get Extra Rib Checks: FAA's Stabilizer Sanity Update
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.
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
2026-13440, 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.
2026-16672, Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Airplanes
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-16- 06, which applied to all Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) Model AT-802 and AT-802A airplanes with Wipaire, Inc. Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) No. SA01795CH installed. AD 2024-16-06 required repetitively inspecting the left and right, forward and rear, horizontal stabilizer spars for cracks, replacing any horizontal stabilizer spar found cracked or damaged, installing bathtub fittings, and reporting inspection results to the FAA. Since the FAA issued AD 2024-16-06, additional cracks in the horizontal stabilizer spars were reported where the vertical fin structural support brace mounts to the horizontal stabilizer spar. This AD retains all the actions of AD 2024- 16-06 and adds inspections to another area. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-16659, Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Airplanes
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream 200 and Galaxy airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-16641, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-25- 14, which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2 helicopters. AD 2023-25-14 revised the procedures for inspecting the vibration level on the tail rotor drive shaft and, depending on these results, required replacing certain parts. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-25-14, the manufacturer developed a modification of the rear drive shaft, sliding flange, and equipped splined sleeve. This AD requires installing this modification and repetitively inspecting the vibration level of the tail rotor drive shaft. This AD also prohibits the installation of certain parts and prohibits the performance of a balance correction unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-16655, Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Engines
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2026-13- 09, which applied to all Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC) Model PW210A, PW210A1, and PW210S engines. AD 2026-13-09 required repetitive visual inspections of the turbine exhaust frame for cracks and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of the turbine exhaust frame. Since the FAA issued AD 2026-13-09, a manufacturer's analysis revealed that turbine exhaust frames manufactured from a certain material were less durable and more susceptible to developing cracks under thermal stress. This AD requires repetitive visual inspections of the turbine exhaust frame for cracks at different initial inspection thresholds than required by AD 2026-13-09 based on the material used during manufacture and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of the turbine exhaust frame. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Next: 2026-16659, Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Airplanes
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream 200 and Galaxy airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.