FR 2021-03599

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new regulation that replaces previous airworthiness directives for ATR72 aircraft. This new rule focuses on incorporating updated airworthiness limitations to prevent fatigue cracking that might affect the aircraft's structural integrity. These updates are based on guidelines provided by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and specifically apply to certain ATR72 models with certificates issued up to December 12, 2019. The new directives need to be fully implemented by March 31, 2021, with certain compliance details provided in the regulation.

General Summary

The FAA's new regulation supersedes earlier directives from 2000, 2018, and 2019, reflecting new insights into aircraft safety that necessitate stricter safety measures. The document outlines the need for the revised maintenance and inspection program, which is essential for maintaining the airworthiness of ATR72 model airplanes. This effort is aimed at addressing potential issues like fatigue cracking in key structural parts that could lead to structural failures if left unaddressed.

Significant Issues or Concerns

A notable concern is the complexity of the document, which is lengthy and dense, potentially overwhelming for those without legal or aviation expertise. For smaller operators or individual stakeholders, understanding this document might necessitate additional legal or technical assistance. Moreover, while the costs of compliance are mentioned, there is no in-depth analysis of how different operators might be impacted, particularly those with limited resources.

Additionally, the document references multiple external sources such as specific documents, figures, and revisions that are not included directly within the text. This requirement to access documents separately could lead to confusion or important details being overlooked. The provided instructions for obtaining alternative methods of compliance (AMOC) and contacting the FAA may also be seen as burdensome for operators who do not have extensive compliance teams in place.

Public Impact

Broadly, this new airworthiness directive is essential for ensuring continued safety in the aviation industry, which in turn, helps protect passengers, crew, and the general public from potential aircraft failures. By requiring updated maintenance programs, the directive aims to minimize risks associated with structural fatigue.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For aircraft operators, especially smaller ones, the regulation could present challenges. The costs associated with compliance, the need for detailed inspections, and potential changes to maintenance procedures could be more challenging for operators with limited financial resources. These operators may also find the process of navigating compliance requirements daunting without specialized staff or knowledge.

In contrast, larger airlines or operators might experience less impact due to their more robust resources and capabilities to adjust to new regulations swiftly. For regulatory bodies and institutions involved in aviation safety, this directive represents a necessary step toward ensuring that emerging safety issues are addressed proactively.

In conclusion, while the FAA’s new regulation underscores a fundamental commitment to aviation safety, its complexity and the requisite procedural adaptations might impose varying levels of burden across the industry, urging a closer look at providing support and resources for smaller operators needing to implement these changes.

In reviewing the Federal Register document regarding airworthiness directives for ATR72 airplanes, specific financial references and implications stand out. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) estimates compliance costs for this directive, which are crucial for operators to understand as they determine the financial impact on their operations.

Compliance Costs

The document identifies two main compliance costs. Firstly, it estimates $7,650, based on 90 work-hours at $85 per work-hour, as the total cost per operator for performing retained actions from a previous directive (AD 2019-13-04). Secondly, for the new actions required by this directive, the FAA once again estimates a total cost per operator of $7,650, calculated using the same work-hour and rate assumptions.

Financial Impact Analysis

While the document provides these cost estimates, there is a lack of detail in dissecting how these expenses might disproportionately affect smaller operators compared to larger ones. Smaller operators may experience a more significant financial strain due to limited financial resources and potentially fewer aircraft to spread these costs over.

Omitted Support Resources

One issue not directly addressed in the document is the availability of financial or technical support for operators who may encounter difficulties implementing these directives due to financial constraints. Ensuring compliance might require operators to seek additional funding or technical support to meet these demands, which could pose challenges, particularly for those with limited resources.

Clarity and Accessibility

The complexity of legal and technical language, along with multiple references to additional documents, may hinder operators' ability to precisely calculate and understand the financial implications. For operators without specialist staff, interpreting these costs and their implications could be burdensome, potentially requiring them to seek additional legal or technical advice.

Recommendations

To aid operators, especially smaller ones, it may be beneficial for the FAA to provide clearer guidance on direct financial impacts and potential support mechanisms. Offering a detailed financial analysis, including hypothetical case studies or scenarios, might also help operators better understand and prepare for the financial commitments inherent in complying with these directives.

In conclusion, while the document provides a baseline estimation of compliance costs, addressing the broader financial impact and support options remains a crucial area for further development. Enhanced clarity and support might enable more operators to implement necessary changes efficiently and effectively.