ATR Planes Get New Maintenance Rules from FAA
Published Date: 9/3/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that a new airworthiness limitation is necessary. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate a new airworthiness limitation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Must Add New Airworthiness Limitation
If you operate ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 airplanes, you must revise your maintenance or inspection program to incorporate the new airworthiness limitation in EASA AD 2025-0135 (as referenced in Temporary Revision 18.9 dated April 9, 2025). This AD is effective September 18, 2026, and requires operators to complete the program revision within 90 days after that date to address an inability to close ventilation electrical shut-off valves that could allow a cargo-compartment fire to reignite.
No Immediate U.S. Operator Impact
The FAA states there are currently no U.S.-registered airplanes affected by this AD, so no U.S. operator must comply immediately. If an affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, the FAA estimates the per-operator compliance cost at $7,650.
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.
2026-18052, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A318-112; Model A319-115, -132, and -133; Model A320-214, -216, -232, -233, -251N, and -271N; and Model A321-211, -213, -231, -271N, -251NX, -253NX, and -271NX airplanes. This AD was prompted by a quality escape identified in the production assembly line on the main landing gear (MLG) support rib 5 lugs, which resulted in tool mark damage in the bore of the forward and aft lugs. This AD requires repetitive detailed visual inspections (DVIs) of the affected parts and applicable corrective actions. This AD also provides a one- time special detailed inspection (SDI) as a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-18025, Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance for Renewal of Information Collection: Privacy International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Address Correction
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for an information collection renewal. The collection involves an aircraft operator's request for a privacy ICAO address through a web-based application process. The information to be collected is necessary to qualify for the authorized use of the privacy ICAO address services and for monitoring to support continued airworthiness and enforcement activities.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-18052, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A318-112; Model A319-115, -132, and -133; Model A320-214, -216, -232, -233, -251N, and -271N; and Model A321-211, -213, -231, -271N, -251NX, -253NX, and -271NX airplanes. This AD was prompted by a quality escape identified in the production assembly line on the main landing gear (MLG) support rib 5 lugs, which resulted in tool mark damage in the bore of the forward and aft lugs. This AD requires repetitive detailed visual inspections (DVIs) of the affected parts and applicable corrective actions. This AD also provides a one- time special detailed inspection (SDI) as a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Next: 2026-18055, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by the detection of missing chamfers under the heads of critical fasteners on the primary structure of both pylons. This AD requires an inspection of the fasteners in the affected areas and corrective actions if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.