The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain ATR Model ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes in the United States. This decision was made following reports that converted cargo planes lacked cargo height limitations, potentially blocking smoke detectors if cargo was packed to the ceiling, which could lead to undetected fires. The directive mandates modifications to the cargo compartment and updated loading procedures to address this safety issue. The AD is effective from January 13, 2025, and aims to ensure cargo is not loaded in a way that obstructs smoke detection.
Simple Explanation
The FAA made a new rule for some ATR airplanes because putting too much stuff in them could block the important smoke detectors. Now, they must change the way cargo is loaded so that the detectors can do their job properly and keep everyone safe.