Proposed Rule2026-08593
Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
May 4, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-21-10, which applies to certain ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A airplanes. AD 2023-21-10 requires 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 proposed AD would continue to require the actions in AD 2023-21-10 and would require 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 proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 85 (Monday, May 4, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 85 (Monday, May 4, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 23919-23922]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-08593]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 85 / Monday, May 4, 2026 / Proposed
Rules
[[Page 23919]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-3878; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00913-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; ATR--GIE Avions de Transport
R[eacute]gional Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2023-21-10, which applies to certain ATR--GIE Avions de Transport
R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A airplanes. AD 2023-21-10
requires 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 proposed AD would continue to require the
actions in AD 2023-21-10 and would require 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 proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 18,
2026.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-3878; 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 NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material
identified in this proposed AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#27666354674246544609425255485746094252"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="aeefeaddeecbcfddcf80cbdbdcc1decf80cbdb">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find this material on the EASA website at
ad.easa.europa.eu. It is also available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket
No. FAA-2026-3878.
<bullet> For ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional material
identified in this proposed AD, contact ATR--GIE Avions de Transport
R[eacute]gional, 1 All[eacute]e Pierre Nadot, 31712 Blagnac Cedex,
France; telephone +33 (0) 5 62 21 62 21; fax +33 (0) 5 62 21 67 18;
email continued.airworthiness@atr <a href="http://aircraft.com">aircraft.com</a>; website atr-
<a href="http://aircraft.com">aircraft.com</a>.
<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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Spencer, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: 516-228-7332; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0c35214d5a5f214d455e214e4d4f43214f435f4c6a6d6d226b637a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="af9682eef9fc82eee6fd82edeeece082ece0fcefc9cece81c8c0d9">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments using a method listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2026-3878;
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00913-T'' at the beginning of your
comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Christopher Spencer, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516-228-7332; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0a33274b5c59274b435827484b4945274945594a6c6b6b246d657c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="350c1874636618747c67187774767a18767a66755354541b525a43">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA issued AD 2023-21-10, Amendment 39-22582 (88 FR 83820,
December 1, 2023) (AD 2023-21-10), for certain ATR--GIE Avions de
Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A airplanes. AD
2023-21-10 was prompted by an MCAI originated by EASA, which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA
issued AD 2023-0125,
[[Page 23920]]
dated June 22, 2023, to correct an unsafe condition.
AD 2023-21-10 requires an inspection of the HS affected areas (HS
left-hand 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. The FAA issued AD 2023-
21-10 to address loose, missing, or incorrectly installed fasteners,
composite delamination, and cracks in the HS. The unsafe condition, if
not addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the
airplane.
Actions Since AD 2023-21-10 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2023-21-10, EASA superseded AD 2023-0125,
dated June 22, 2023, and issued EASA AD 2025-0110, dated May 14, 2025
(EASA AD 2025-0110) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for certain ATR--GIE Avions de Transport
R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A airplanes. The MCAI
states that it has been determined that additional airplane serial
numbers are affected and that the HS front spar web and center box
internal area also needs to be inspected to address loose, missing, or
incorrectly installed fasteners, composite delamination, and cracks in
the HS.
The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2026-3878.
Explanation of Retained Requirements
Although this proposed AD does not explicitly restate the
requirements of AD 2023-21-10, this proposed AD would retain all of the
requirements of AD 2023-21-10. Those requirements are referenced in
EASA AD 2025-0110, which, in turn, is referenced in paragraph (g) of
this proposed AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2025-0110, which specifies procedures for
a one-time detailed inspection of the HS left-hand and right-hand
leading edge lateral ribs, the box in between the center box upper
panel, HS forward back-up fitting, and the HS front spar web and center
box internal area for discrepancies (i.e., any loose, missing, or
incorrectly installed fasteners, any composite delamination, and any
cracked fittings); and applicable corrective action. Corrective actions
include contacting the manufacturer for repair instructions if any
discrepancy is detected during any inspection.
The FAA also reviewed ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-55-0020, Revision
03, dated January 31, 2025; ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-55-1013,
Revision 03, dated January 31, 2025; ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-55-
0025, dated February 3, 2025; and ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-55-1018,
dated February 3, 2025. This material identifies the affected airplane
serial numbers.
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.
FAA's Determination
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 and material referenced above. The FAA is issuing
this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2025-0110 described previously, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2025-0110 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2025-0110 in its entirety through that incorporation, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading
of a particular section in EASA AD 2025-0110 does not mean that
operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance times,''
compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section
titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2025-
0110. Material required by EASA AD 2025-0110 for compliance will be
available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2026-3878 after the
FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 16 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained actions from AD 2023-21-10...... 8 work-hours x $85 per hour $0 $680 $10,880
= $680.
New proposed actions..................... 14 work-hours x $85 per 0 1,190 19,040
hour = $1,190.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this proposed AD.
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
[[Page 23921]]
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
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-21-10, Amendment 39-22582
(88 FR 83820, December 1, 2023); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Docket No. FAA-2026-
3878; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00913-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by June 18, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2023-21-10, Amendment 39-22582 (88 FR 83820,
December 1, 2023) (AD 2023-21-10).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional
Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-55-0020,
Revision 03, dated January 31, 2025; ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-55-
1013, Revision 03, dated January 31, 2025; ATR Service Bulletin
ATR42-55-0025, dated February 3, 2025; or ATR Service Bulletin
ATR72-55-1018, dated February 3, 2025; as applicable.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55, Stabilizers.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of loose fasteners and cracks in
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. This AD was also prompted by a
determination that additional airplanes are affected by the unsafe
condition, and that the HS front spar web and center box internal
area also need to be inspected. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address loose, missing, or incorrectly installed fasteners,
composite delamination, and cracks in the HS. The unsafe condition,
if not addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of
the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2025-0110, dated May 14, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0110).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0110
(1) Where the Groups definition for Group 3 airplanes in EASA AD
2025-0110 refers to ``the SB2'', this AD requires replacing this
text with ``ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-55-0025, dated February 3,
2025; or ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-55-1018, dated February 3, 2025;
as applicable''.
(2) Where EASA AD 2025-0110 refers to ``06 July 2023 [the
effective date of EASA AD 2023-0125],'' this AD requires using
January 5, 2024 (the effective date of AD 2023-21-10).
(3) Where EASA AD 2025-0110 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2025-0110 specifies if ``any
discrepancy as defined in the SB1 or the SB2, as applicable, is
detected, before next flight, contact ATR for approved repair
instructions and, within the compliance time identified therein,
accomplish those instructions accordingly. If no compliance time for
the repair is identified in those instructions, accomplish those
instructions before next flight.'', this AD requires replacing that
text with ``any discrepancy other than cracking is detected, before
next flight, contact ATR for approved repair instructions and,
within the compliance time identified therein, accomplish those
instructions accordingly, except if no compliance time for the
repair is identified in those instructions, accomplish those
instructions before next flight; and if any crack is detected, the
crack must be repaired before further flight 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.''
(5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0110.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0110 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
include that requirement.
(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#63222e2c20230502024d040c15"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a0e1edefe3e0c6c1c18ec7cfd6">[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 Christopher Spencer,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516-228-7332; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#192034584f4a3458504b345b585a56345a564a597f7878377e766f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c4fde9859297e9858d96e98685878be9878b9784a2a5a5eaa3abb2">[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.
[[Page 23922]]
(i) ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-55-0020, Revision 03, dated
January 31, 2025.
(ii) ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-55-0025, dated February 3, 2025.
(iii) ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-55-1013, Revision 03, dated
January 31, 2025.
(iv) ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-55-1018, dated February 3, 2025.
(v) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0110,
dated May 14, 2025.
(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#79383d0a391c180a18571c0c0b160918571c0c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8ccdc8ffcce9edffeda2e9f9fee3fceda2e9f9">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find this material on
the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) For ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional material
identified in this AD, contact ATR--GIE Avions de Transport
R[eacute]gional, 1 All[eacute]e Pierre Nadot, 31712 Blagnac Cedex,
France; telephone +33 (0) 5 62 21 62 21; fax +33 (0) 5 62 21 67 18;
email continued.airworthiness@atr <a href="http://aircraft.com">aircraft.com</a>; website atr-
<a href="http://aircraft.com">aircraft.com</a>.
(5) 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.
(6) 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#9cfaeeb2f5f2efecf9ffe8f5f3f2dcf2fdeefdb2fbf3ea"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3d5b4f1354534e4d585e495452537d535c4f5c135a524b">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on April 28, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-08593 Filed 5-1-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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