Rule2025-16210
Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
August 25, 2025
Effective
September 29, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR72 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.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 162 (Monday, August 25, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 162 (Monday, August 25, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41286-41288]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-16210]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0210; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00469-T;
Amendment 39-23119; AD 2025-17-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; ATR--GIE Avions de Transport
R[eacute]gional Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR72
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.
DATES: This AD is effective September 29, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September
29, 2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0210; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material
identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#57161324173236243679322225382736793222"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="68292c1b280d091b09460d1d1a071809460d1d">[email protected]</span></a>.
You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 206-231-3195.
[[Page 41287]]
It is also available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2025-0210.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Fatin Saumik, Aviation Engineer, FAA,
1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516-228-
7350; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8ee8effae7e0a0fca0fdeffbe3e7e5cee8efefa0e9e1f8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dfb9beabb6b1f1adf1acbeaab2b6b49fb9bebef1b8b0a9">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain ATR--GIE Avions
de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -
212, and -212A airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on February 24, 2025 (90 FR 10465). The NPRM was prompted by
AD 2024-0159, dated August 16, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0159) (also referred
to as the MCAI), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the
Member States of the European Union. The MCAI states that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations have been developed.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or
more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in EASA AD
2024-0159. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the failure of the
chemical oxygen mask release system to release the mask when necessary,
resulting in possible injury to passengers and crew.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0210.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) who supported the NPRM without change.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
of another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for
minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0159, which specifies new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations for airplane structures and safe
life limits. This material is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 40 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator,
although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator
to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection
program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined
that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane
estimate. Therefore, the agency estimates the average total cost per
operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2025-17-09 ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Amendment
39-23119; Docket No. FAA-2025-0210; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-
00469-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 29,
2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional
Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes,
certificated in any category, as identified in European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0159, dated August 16, 2024
(EASA AD 2024-0159).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the failure of the chemical oxygen mask
release system to release the mask when necessary, resulting in
possible injury to passengers and crew.
[[Page 41288]]
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2024-0159.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0159
(1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in
paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2024-0159.
(2) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0159 specifies revising
``the approved AMP,'' within 12 months after its effective date,
this AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, within 90 days after the effective date of
this AD.
(3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0159 is at the applicable
``limitations'' and ``associated thresholds'' as incorporated by the
requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0159, or within 90
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(4) This AD does not adopt the provisions specified in paragraph
(4) of EASA AD 2024-0159.
(5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0159.
(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals
After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been
revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative
actions (e.g., inspections) and intervals are allowed unless they
are approved as specified in the provisions of the ``Ref.
Publications'' section of EASA AD 2024-0159.
(j) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the
International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD and email to:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#abeae6e4e8ebcdcaca85ccc4dd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="90d1dddfd3d0f6f1f1bef7ffe6">[email protected]</span></a>. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or ATR--GIE Avions de Transport
R[eacute]gional's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized
signature.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Fatin Saumik,
Aviation Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: 516-228-7350; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#abcdcadfc2c585d985d8cadec6c2c0ebcdcaca85ccc4dd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f39592879a9ddd81dd8092869e9a98b3959292dd949c85">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0159,
dated August 16, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7c3d380f3c191d0f1d5219090e130c1d521909"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3273764172575341531c5747405d42531c5747">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find this material on
the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St.,
Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0365712d6a6d70736660776a6c6d436d6271622d646c75"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2b4d59054245585b4e485f4244456b454a594a054c445d">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on August 20, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-16210 Filed 8-22-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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