Rule2026-09658
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
May 14, 2026
Effective
June 18, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-200, -300, and -320 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of an occurrence of a flap asymmetry detector and flap interconnection shaft having worn splines and not engaging mechanically. This AD requires a special detailed inspection (SDI) of the affected flap asymmetry detection mechanism, and applicable corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 93 (Thursday, May 14, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 93 (Thursday, May 14, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27187-27189]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-09658]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-2278; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00628-T;
Amendment 39-23335; AD 2026-09-13]
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 all
ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-200, -300, and
-320 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of an occurrence of a
flap
[[Page 27188]]
asymmetry detector and flap interconnection shaft having worn splines
and not engaging mechanically. This AD requires a special detailed
inspection (SDI) of the affected flap asymmetry detection mechanism,
and applicable corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective June 18, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 18,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-2278; 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#c38287b083a6a2b0a2eda6b6b1acb3a2eda6b6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5110152211343022307f3424233e21307f3424">[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. It is also available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-2278.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Fatin Saumik, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: 516-228-7350; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#82bbafc3d4d1afc3cbd0afc0c3c1cdafc1cdd1c2e4e3e3ace5edf4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7e47533f282d533f372c533c3f3d31533d312d3e181f1f50191108">[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 all ATR--GIE Avions de
Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-200, -300, and -320 airplanes.
The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on February 26, 2026 (91
FR 9510). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2025-0087, dated April 16,
2025 (EASA AD 2025-0087) (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 an occurrence of flap asymmetry
detector and flap interconnection shaft having worn splines and not
engaging mechanically was reported during maintenance. This condition,
if not detected and corrected, could lead to the loss of flap asymmetry
monitoring, which, in case of asymmetrical flaps extension or
retraction, could possibly result in reduced control of the airplane.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require an SDI of the affected
flap asymmetry detection mechanism, and applicable corrective actions,
as specified in EASA AD 2025-0087. The FAA is issuing 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-2026-2278.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) and one other individual 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
EASA AD 2025-0087 specifies procedures for an SDI of the affected
flap asymmetry detection mechanism for any discrepancy (i.e., any
findings, which includes any flap asymmetry detector that is not
mechanically engaged to the flap interconnection shaft and any
findings, such as worn parts, corrosion, and cracking, found during the
removal of the flap asymmetry detection mechanism) and to contact the
manufacturer for approved repair instructions as corrective action when
any discrepancy is detected.
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 17 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170........................... $0 $170 $2,890
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this 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 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.
[[Page 27189]]
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:
2026-09-13 ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Amendment
39-23335; Docket No. FAA-2026-2278; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-
00628-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 18, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all ATR--GIE Avions de Transport
R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-200, -300, and -320 airplanes,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
controls.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a flap asymmetry detector
and flap interconnection shaft having worn splines and not engaging
mechanically. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this condition,
which, if not addressed, could result in the loss of flap asymmetry
monitoring and reduced control of the airplane in case of
asymmetrical flaps extension or retraction.
(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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2025-0087, dated April 16, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0087).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0087
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0087 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0087.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0087 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#581915171b183e3939763f372e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c88985878b88aea9a9e6afa7be">[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 Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516-228-7350; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c1f8ec809792ec808893ec8380828eec828e9281a7a0a0efa6aeb7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fac3d7bbaca9d7bbb3a8d7b8bbb9b5d7b9b5a9ba9c9b9bd49d958c">[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 2025-0087,
dated April 16, 2025.
(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#5110152211343022307f3424233e21307f3424"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="56171225163337253778332324392637783323">[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#4f293d6126213c3f2a2c3b2620210f212e3d2e61282039"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="167064387f7865667375627f7978567877647738717960">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on April 28, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-09658 Filed 5-13-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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