Older ATR airplanes need new maintenance checks to stay in the air

The US aviation regulator proposes new mandatory maintenance checks for certain older ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42-500 airplanes. This means operators of these planes will have to update their maintenance programs to include these new or stricter requirements.

Airworthiness directives are not optional. They are legally binding rules that airplane operators must follow to keep their aircraft flying. This proposed change means that the cost of operating these specific ATR models will go up, as they will require more frequent or more complex inspections and repairs. If an operator does not comply, their planes cannot fly.