Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 101 (Wednesday, May 27, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31335-31338]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-10488]



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Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 101 / Wednesday, May 27, 2026 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 31335]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-3425; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00190-T; 
Amendment 39-23349; AD 2026-10-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; ATR--GIE Avions de Transport 
R[eacute]gional Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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 July 1, 2026.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 1, 
2026.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-3425 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 [email protected]. 
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 regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-3425.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Fatin Saumik, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
phone: 516-228-7350; email: [email protected].

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 airplanes. The NPRM was 
published in the Federal Register on October 1, 2025 (90 FR 47251). The 
NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2025-0046, dated February 19, 2025 (EASA 
AD 2025-0046) (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 
2025-0046. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the potential of 
ignition sources inside fuel tanks. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of 
the airplane.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-3425.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received a comment from Air Line Pilots Association, 
International (ALPA) who supported the NPRM without change.
    The FAA received additional comments from an anonymous commenter 
and the Citizens Rulemaking Alliance. The anonymous comment is outside 
the scope of this AD. The following presents the Citizens Rulemaking 
Alliance's comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each 
comment.

Request To Justify Forgoing Notice and Comment or Issue an NPRM

    The Citizens Rulemaking Alliance requested that the FAA either 
provide its justification for finding good cause to bypass notice and 
comment procedures, convert this action to an NPRM, or reopen the 
comment period and defer compliance enforcement. The commenter asserted 
the FAA has not adequately justified use of the good cause exemption.
    The FAA notes the comment was submitted in response to an NPRM for 
which the FAA provided a 45-day comment period. This final rule is 
effective 35 days after its publication in the Federal Register. 
Therefore, no change to this AD is necessary.

Request To Make Incorporation by Reference (IBR) Materials Reasonably 
Available

    The Citizens Rulemaking Alliance stated that the FAA's current 
practices for IBR frequently fail to meet the legal and regulatory 
standards for reasonable availability. The commenter requested that the 
FAA make IBR material available and free to the public during the 
comment period. The commenter asserted that this AD incorporates by 
reference manufacturer service information and the EASA AD.
    The FAA clarifies that this AD incorporates by reference EASA AD 
2025-0046, not the manufacturer service information referenced in that 
EASA AD. The FAA posted EASA AD 2025-0046 to the AD docket when the 
NPRM was published in the Federal Register. The material referenced in 
EASA AD 2025-0046 may only be posted before the final rule's 
publication if it is already publicly available or if

[[Page 31336]]

there is written consent from the owner of that material. Additionally, 
the FAA provided notice in the NPRM that the material referenced in 
EASA AD 2025-0046 will be available in the AD docket after this AD is 
published. The FAA did not change this AD as a result of this comment.

Request To Comply With the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)

    The Citizens Rulemaking Alliance requested that the FAA revise the 
AD to comply with the PRA if reporting is required or remove any 
reporting provisions until PRA requirements are satisfied. If reporting 
is not required, the commenter requested the FAA clarify that in the 
AD.
    The FAA notes this AD does not require reporting. If an AD were to 
require reporting, the preamble of the AD would include a paragraph 
titled ``Paperwork Reduction Act'' that would provide the applicable 
OMB control number, required PRA statements, and the estimated time to 
collect the required information (burden). Any costs associated with 
the reporting requirement would be included in the Costs of Compliance 
section in the preamble of the AD. Therefore, the FAA did not change 
this AD as a result of this comment.

Request To Consider Impact on Small Entities

    The Citizens Rulemaking Alliance requested that the FAA either 
provide the factual basis for its Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) 
certification that the AD will not have a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities, or prepare an initial 
regulatory flexibility analysis.
    The FAA provides the following clarification. The RFA of 1980 (5 
U.S.C. 601-612), as amended by the Small Business Regulatory 
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121) and the Small 
Business Jobs Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-240), requires Federal agencies 
to consider the effects of the regulatory action on small business and 
other small entities and to minimize any significant economic impact. 
The term ``small entities'' comprises small businesses and not-for-
profit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are 
not dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with 
populations of less than 50,000.
    This AD will affect 6 domestic entities, of which 5 are small 
entities. The table below displays the industries of the small 
entities, their average annual revenue, and the AD's estimated cost 
burden relative to average annual revenue.

                       Number of Small Entities Affected by Industry and Cost Significance
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Affected                    Cost per AD/
           NAICS code                          Description                small     Average annual      annual
                                                                         entities       revenue      revenue (%)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
481212..........................  Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air            1       $17,050,000        0.045
                                   Transportation.
481219..........................  Other Nonscheduled Air                        1        24,820,000        0.031
                                   Transportation.
492110..........................  Couriers and Express Delivery                 1       291,850,000        0.003
                                   Services.
532411..........................  Commercial Air, Rail, and Water               2         1,905,000        0.435
                                   Transportation Equipment Rental and
                                   Leasing.
                                                                       -----------------------------------------
    Total.......................  ....................................          5        67,506,000        0.189
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    While the FAA has determined that this final AD affects a 
substantial number of small entities, the compliance cost of the AD 
relative to each small entity's annual revenue is minimal. The FAA 
estimates the total cost per affected entity to be $7,650 (90 work-
hours x $85 per work-hour), which is 0.189% of the average small 
entity's annual revenue. Therefore, as provided in section 605(b), the 
FAA certifies this AD will not result in a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities. The FAA did not change this 
AD as a result of this comment.

Request To Provide Additional Cost Information

    The Citizens Rulemaking Alliance requested that the FAA add to the 
AD docket the methodology and assumptions supporting the estimated cost 
of the proposed AD and reopen the comment period for public input on 
the additional cost information. The commenter stated that the FAA 
should also provide the per airplane labor and parts cost, any assumed 
downtime or out-of-service impacts, and aggregate costs.
    In the Costs of Compliance section of the proposed AD, the FAA 
disclosed the number of airplanes affected on the U.S. registry, 
estimated number of work hours provided by the manufacturer, and the 
aggregate costs. The FAA did not disclose an estimated parts cost since 
this AD does not require any parts. Additionally, the FAA considered 
the impact that this AD will have on affected operators and determined 
this AD will not trigger any downtime costs because revising the 
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, is an 
administrative action that can be performed without impacting 
operations. Since the FAA has assessed and disclosed the total known 
costs of the AD requirements in the Costs of Compliance section of the 
proposed AD, and the commenter did not provide additional cost data for 
the FAA to consider in its cost analysis, it is not necessary to reopen 
the comment period or provide additional information in the AD docket. 
The FAA did not change this AD as a result of this comment.

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 2025-0046 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

[[Page 31337]]

or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 32 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 FAA 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:

2026-10-09 ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Amendment 
39-23349; Docket No. FAA-2025-3425; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-
00190-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 1, 2026,

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2024-24-06, Amendment 39-22896 (89 FR 97502, 
December 9, 2024) (AD 2024-24-06).

(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, with an original airworthiness 
certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued 
on or before November 22, 2024.

(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 potential of ignition sources inside 
fuel tanks. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

(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 
2025-0046, dated February 19, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0046).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0046

    (1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in 
paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2025-0046.
    (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0046 specifies revising ``the 
approved AMP,'' within 12 months after its effective date, but 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 2025-0046 is at the applicable 
``limitations'' as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) 
of EASA AD 2025-0046, 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 2025-0046.
    (5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2025-0046.

(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions, Intervals, and Critical Design 
Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs)

    After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been 
revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, and CDCCLs are allowed 
unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the 
``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA AD 2025-0046.

(j) Terminating Action for Certain Tasks Required by AD 2024-24-06

    Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates the 
corresponding requirements of AD 2024-24-06 for the tasks identified 
in the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0046 only.

(k) 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 (l) of this AD and email to: 
[email protected]. 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.

[[Page 31338]]

(l) 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: [email protected].

(m) 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 2025-0046, 
dated February 19, 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 [email protected]. 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 www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on May 12, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-10488 Filed 5-26-26; 8:45 am]
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