Stricter Checks Required for ATR Regional Airplanes Soon
Published Date: 1/5/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating safety rules for all ATR42-200, -300, and -320 airplanes to keep them flying safely. Owners and maintenance crews must update their maintenance plans with new, stricter checks starting February 9, 2026. This change helps prevent problems but might mean a bit more work and cost to keep these planes in top shape.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
New maintenance checks for ATR42 fleet
If you operate ATR42-200, -300, or -320 airplanes, you must revise your maintenance or inspection program to add new, more restrictive airworthiness limitations to prevent fuel tank ignition. The AD is effective February 9, 2026, and you must make the program revision within 90 days after that effective date.
Estimated compliance cost per operator
The FAA estimates this AD affects 17 U.S.-registered ATR42 airplanes and that revising the maintenance or inspection program takes about 90 work-hours per operator. The agency estimates an average total cost per operator of $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per hour).
Compliance time shortened to 90 days
The FAA requires revising the approved maintenance program within 90 days after the AD's effective date of February 9, 2026, instead of the 12 months specified in the related EASA rule. This means operators must complete the program change by May 10, 2026 (90 days after February 9, 2026).
Limits on alternative design-control approvals
After you revise your maintenance or inspection program as required, no alternative Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs) are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the referenced EASA material. This restricts using unapproved alternative design controls.
Completing AD may terminate older AD tasks
Completing the actions required by this AD will terminate the corresponding requirements of AD 2025-10-06 for the tasks identified in the EASA AD 2025-0044 material. That can remove duplication for those specific tasks.
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Key Dates
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